Bicycle sprocket and bicycle sprocket assembly

ABSTRACT

A bicycle sprocket has a rotational center axis. The bicycle sprocket comprises a sprocket body and a chain engagement structure. The chain engagement structure is arranged on a radially outer periphery of the sprocket body. The chain engagement structure includes a plurality of chain-driving teeth to engage with a bicycle chain to transmit a rotational driving force to the bicycle chain, at least one downshifting facilitation area to facilitate a downshifting operation from the bicycle sprocket to a smaller sprocket, and at least one downshifting facilitation projection disposed in the at least one downshifting facilitation area to engage with the bicycle chain when the bicycle chain shifts from the bicycle sprocket toward the smaller sprocket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of theU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/170,880 filed Jun. 1, 2016, which isa continuation-in-part application of the U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/054,256 filed Feb. 26, 2016. The contents of these applicationsare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle sprocket and a bicyclesprocket assembly.

Discussion of the Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned is asprocket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicyclesprocket has a rotational center axis. The bicycle sprocket comprises asprocket body and a chain engagement structure. The chain engagementstructure is arranged on a radially outer periphery of the sprocketbody. The chain engagement structure includes a plurality ofchain-driving teeth to engage with a bicycle chain to transmit arotational driving force to the bicycle chain, at least one downshiftingfacilitation area to facilitate a downshifting operation from thebicycle sprocket to a smaller sprocket, and at least one downshiftingfacilitation projection disposed in the at least one downshiftingfacilitation area to engage with the bicycle chain when the bicyclechain shifts from the bicycle sprocket toward the smaller sprocket.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the first aspect, it is possibleto appropriately adjust a chain-downshifting distance defined betweenthe bicycle sprocket and the smaller sprocket so that the bicycle chainsmoothly shifts from the bicycle sprocket to the smaller sprocket duringa downshifting operation.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicyclesprocket according to the first aspect is configured so that theplurality of chain-driving teeth includes at least one first toothhaving a first chain engaging width and at least one second tooth havinga second chain engaging width. The first chain engaging width is largerthan an inner link space defined between an opposed pair of inner linkplates of the bicycle chain and is smaller than an outer link spacedefined between an opposed pair of outer link plates of the bicyclechain. The second chain engaging width is smaller than the inner linkspace.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the second aspect, it is possibleto prevent the bicycle chain from readily disengaging from the bicyclesprocket except upshifting and downshifting operations.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicyclesprocket according to the first or second aspect is configured so thatthe chain engagement structure includes at least one upshiftingfacilitation area to facilitate an upshifting operation from the smallersprocket to the bicycle sprocket, and at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection disposed in the at least one upshiftingfacilitation area to engage with the bicycle chain when the bicyclechain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicycle sprocket.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the third aspect, the at leastone upshifting facilitation projection lifts the bicycle chain from thesmaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket during the upshiftingoperation. This smoothens the upshifting operation.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclesprocket according to the third aspect is configured so that the atleast one downshifting facilitation area at least partly overlaps withthe at least one upshifting facilitation area in a circumferentialdirection defined about the rotational center axis.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fourth aspect, it is possibleto make a total area of the at least one downshifting facilitation areaand the at least one upshifting facilitation area smaller in thecircumferential direction so that both of the downshifting facilitationarea and the upshifting facilitation area can be disposed at anappropriate location.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclesprocket according to the third or fourth aspect is configured so that afirst area is defined from one of the at least one downshiftingfacilitation projection to one of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection in a first circumferential direction definedabout the rotational center axis. The first area has a first maximumcircumferential angle defined about the rotational center axis. A secondarea is defined from the one of the at least one downshiftingfacilitation projection to the one of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection in a second circumferential direction. Thesecond area has a second maximum circumferential angle defined about therotational center axis. The first maximum circumferential angle issmaller than the second maximum circumferential angle. The plurality ofchain-driving teeth includes three teeth disposed in the first area.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifth aspect, it is possibleto make shifting of the bicycle chain smoother.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclesprocket according to any one of the third to fifth aspects isconfigured so that the at least one downshifting facilitation projectionhas a first axial length defined in an axial direction parallel to therotational center axis. The at least one upshifting facilitationprojection has a second axial length defined in the axial direction. Thefirst axial length is different from the second axial length.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the sixth aspect, it is possibleto separately set the first axial length and the second axial length tosmoothly shift the bicycle chain between the bicycle sprocket and thesmaller sprocket.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the sixth aspect is configured so that thefirst axial length is smaller than the second axial length.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the seventh aspect, it ispossible to achieve both of a certainly smooth downshifting operationand a certainly smooth upshifting operation.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the sixth or seventh aspect is configuredso that the first axial length is equal to or smaller than 1.9 mm. Thesecond axial length is equal to or larger than 2.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the eighth aspect, it is possibleto achieve both of a certainly smooth downshifting operation and acertainly smooth upshifting operation.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclesprocket according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects isconfigured so that the second axial length is equal to or larger than2.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the ninth aspect, it is possibleto certainly bring the at least one upshifting facilitation projectioninto engagement with the bicycle chain when the bicycle chain shiftsfrom the smaller sprocket toward the bicycle sprocket.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclesprocket according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects isconfigured so that the second axial length is equal to or larger than2.5 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the tenth aspect, it is possibleto more certainly bring the at least one upshifting facilitationprojection into engagement with the bicycle chain when the bicycle chainshifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicycle sprocket.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the sixth to tenth aspects isconfigured so that the second axial length is equal to or larger than3.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the eleventh aspect, it ispossible to more certainly bring the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection into engagement with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the sixth to tenth aspects isconfigured so that the second axial length is equal to or larger than3.5 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the twelfth aspect, it ispossible to more certainly bring the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection into engagement with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the sixth to twelfth aspects isconfigured so that the second axial length is equal to or smaller than4.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the thirteenth aspect, it ispossible to more certainly bring the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection into engagement with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspectsis configured so that the plurality of chain-driving teeth includes atleast one downshifting facilitation tooth provided in the at least onedownshifting facilitation area.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fourteenth aspect, it ispossible to make shifting of the bicycle chain smoother.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the fourteenth aspect is configured sothat the sprocket body defines a first axial side and a second axialside opposite to the first axial side in an axial direction parallel tothe rotational center axis. The at least one downshifting facilitationprojection is provided on the first axial side. At least one of the atleast one downshifting facilitation tooth includes a first downshiftingfacilitation chamfer provided on one of the first axial side and thesecond axial side to facilitate the downshifting operation from thebicycle sprocket to the smaller sprocket.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifteenth aspect, the firstdownshifting facilitation chamfer reduces unnecessary interferenceoccurring between the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth andthe bicycle chain when the bicycle chain shifts from the bicyclesprocket toward the smaller sprocket.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the fifteenth aspect is configured so thatat least one of the at least one downshifting facilitation toothincludes a second downshifting facilitation chamfer provided on theother of the first axial side and the second axial side to facilitatethe downshifting operation from the bicycle sprocket to the smallersprocket.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the sixteenth aspect, the seconddownshifting facilitation chamfer reduces unnecessary interferenceoccurring between the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth andthe bicycle chain when the bicycle chain shifts from the bicyclesprocket toward the smaller sprocket.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspectsis configured so that the at least one downshifting facilitation area isprovided at or close to a dead center of the bicycle sprocket.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the seventeenth aspect, it ispossible to reduce a pedaling force applied from the bicycle chain tothe at least one downshifting facilitation area. This allows the bicyclechain to smoothly disengage from the bicycle sprocket.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the first to seventeenthaspects is configured so that the at least one downshifting facilitationarea is provided on an upstream side relative to the dead center in arotational driving direction of the bicycle sprocket.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the eighteenth aspect, it ispossible to reduce a pedaling force applied from the bicycle chain tothe at least one downshifting facilitation area. This allows the bicyclechain to smoothly disengage from the bicycle sprocket.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, abicycle sprocket assembly comprises the bicycle sprocket according tothe first aspect and the smaller sprocket adjacent to the bicyclesprocket without another sprocket between the smaller sprocket and thebicycle sprocket.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the nineteenth aspect,it is possible to set a chain-downshifting distance defined between thebicycle sprocket and the smaller sprocket as appropriate so that thebicycle chain smoothly shifts from the bicycle sprocket to the smallersprocket during a downshifting operation.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to the nineteenth aspect isconfigured so that the smaller sprocket includes a downshiftingreceiving tooth to first receive the bicycle chain during thedownshifting operation. The plurality of chain-driving teeth includes adownshifting derailing tooth to first derail the bicycle chain from thebicycle sprocket during the downshifting operation. The downshiftingfacilitation projection is disposed at a position such that thedownshifting receiving tooth is spaced apart from the downshiftingderailing tooth by an uneven number of chain pitch of the bicycle chainon a chain line of the bicycle chain during the downshifting operation.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the twentieth aspect, itis possible to smoothly shift the bicycle chain from the bicyclesprocket to the smaller sprocket.

In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to the twentieth aspect isconfigured so that the uneven number of chain pitch is equal to orsmaller than nine.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the twenty-first aspect,it is possible more smoothly shift the bicycle chain from the bicyclesprocket to the smaller sprocket.

In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to the twentieth or twenty-firstaspects is configured so that the uneven number of chain pitch is equalto or smaller than seven.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the twenty-secondaspect, it is possible to more smoothly shift the bicycle chain from thebicycle sprocket to the smaller sprocket.

In accordance with a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to any one of the twentieth totwenty-second aspects is configured so that the uneven number of chainpitch is equal to or smaller than five.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the twenty-third aspect,it is possible to more smoothly shift the bicycle chain from the bicyclesprocket to the smaller sprocket.

In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to any one of the twentieth totwenty-third aspects is configured so that the plurality ofchain-driving teeth includes at least one first tooth having a firstchain engaging width, and at least one second tooth having a secondchain engaging width. The first chain engaging width is larger than aninner link space defined between an opposed pair of inner link plates ofthe bicycle chain and is smaller than an outer link space definedbetween an opposed pair of outer link plates of the bicycle chain. Thesecond chain engaging width is smaller than the inner link space. Thesmaller sprocket includes an additional sprocket body, and an additionalchain engagement structure arranged on a radially outer periphery of theadditional sprocket body. The additional chain engagement structureincludes a plurality of additional chain-driving teeth to engage withthe bicycle chain to transmit the rotational driving force to thebicycle chain The plurality of additional chain-driving teeth includesat least one first additional tooth having a third chain engaging width,and at least one second additional tooth having a fourth chain engagingwidth. The third chain engaging width is larger than the inner linkspace defined between the opposed pair of inner link plates of thebicycle chain and is smaller than the outer link space defined betweenthe opposed pair of outer link plates of the bicycle chain. The fourthchain engaging width is smaller than the inner link space.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the twenty-fourthaspect, it is possible to improve chain-holding performance of thesmaller sprocket.

In accordance with a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to the twenty-fourth aspect isconfigured so that the at least one second tooth includes thedownshifting derailing tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the twenty-fifth aspect,it is possible to smoothly derail the bicycle chain from the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifthaspect is configured so that the at least one first tooth includes anupshifting receiving tooth to first receive the bicycle chain during theupshifting operation. The at least one first additional tooth includesthe downshifting receiving tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the twenty-sixth aspect,it is possible to stably complete the upshifting operation since the atleast one first tooth first receives the bicycle chain.

In accordance with a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to any one of the nineteenth totwenty-sixth aspects is configured so that the smaller sprocket includesan additional sprocket body, and an additional chain engagementstructure arranged on a radially outer periphery of the additionalsprocket body. The additional chain engagement structure includes aplurality of additional chain-driving teeth to engage with the bicyclechain to transmit the rotational driving force to the bicycle chain. Thetotal number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth is 36. The totalnumber of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth is 24.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the twenty-seventhaspect, it is possible to provide one of combinations which are suitablefor the certain and quick downshifting operation facilitated by thedownshifting facilitation projection.

In accordance with a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to any one of the nineteenth totwenty-seventh aspects is configured so that the smaller sprocketincludes an additional sprocket body, and an additional chain engagementstructure arranged on a radially outer periphery of the additionalsprocket body. The additional chain engagement structure includes aplurality of additional chain-driving teeth to engage with the bicyclechain to transmit the rotational driving force to the bicycle chain. Thetotal number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth is 40. The totalnumber of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth is 28.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the twenty-eighthaspect, it is possible to provide one of combinations which are suitablefor the certain and quick downshifting operation facilitated by thedownshifting facilitation projection.

In accordance with a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to any one of the nineteenth totwenty-eighth aspects is configured so that the smaller sprocketincludes an additional sprocket body, and an additional chain engagementstructure arranged on a radially outer periphery of the additionalsprocket body. The additional chain engagement structure includes aplurality of additional chain-driving teeth to engage with the bicyclechain to transmit the rotational driving force to the bicycle chain. Thetotal number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth is 52. The totalnumber of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth is 32.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the twenty-ninth aspect,it is possible to provide one of combinations which are suitable for thecertain and quick downshifting operation facilitated by the downshiftingfacilitation projection.

In accordance with a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, abicycle sprocket has a rotational center axis. The bicycle sprocketcomprises a sprocket body and a chain engagement structure. The sprocketbody defines a first axial side and a second axial side opposite to thefirst axial side in an axial direction parallel to the rotational centeraxis. The chain engagement structure is arranged on a radially outerperiphery of the sprocket body. The chain engagement structure includesa plurality of chain-driving teeth to engage with a bicycle chain totransmit a rotational driving force to the bicycle chain. The pluralityof chain-driving teeth includes at least one first tooth having a firstchain engaging width and at least one second tooth having a second chainengaging width. The at least one first tooth includes a first axial endand a first opposite axial end opposite to the first axial end in theaxial direction. The first chain engaging width is defined between thefirst axial end and the first opposite axial end in the axial direction.The at least one second tooth includes a second axial end and a secondopposite axial end opposite to the second axial end in the axialdirection. The second chain engaging width is defined between the secondaxial end and the second opposite axial end in the axial direction. Thefirst chain engaging width is larger than an inner link space definedbetween an opposed pair of inner link plates of the bicycle chain and issmaller than an outer link space defined between an opposed pair ofouter link plates of the bicycle chain. The second chain engaging widthis smaller than the inner link space. The chain engagement structureincludes at least one upshifting facilitation area to facilitate anupshifting operation from a smaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket.The chain engagement structure includes at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection disposed in the at least one upshiftingfacilitation area to engage with the bicycle chain when the bicyclechain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicycle sprocket. Theat least one upshifting facilitation projection is provided on the firstaxial side and having an axial length defined in the axial direction.The axial length of the at least one upshifting facilitation projectionis larger than an axial distance defined between the first axial end andthe second axial end in the axial direction on the first axial side.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the thirtieth aspect, the atleast one upshifting facilitation projection lifts the bicycle chainfrom the smaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket during an upshiftingoperation. This smoothens the upshifting operation. Furthermore, both ofthe at least one first tooth and the at least one second tooth supportthe bicycle chain so as to prevent the bicycle chain from beingunintentionally removed from the bicycle sprocket. Accordingly, it ispossible to smoothen the upshifting operation with preventing thebicycle chain from being unintentionally removed from the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the thirtieth aspect is configured so thatthe axial length of the at least one upshifting facilitation projectionis equal to or larger than 2.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the thirty-first aspect, it ispossible to certainly bring the at least one upshifting facilitationprojection into engagement with the bicycle chain when the bicycle chainshifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicycle sprocket.

In accordance with a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the thirtieth or thirty-first aspect isconfigured so that the axial length of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection is equal to or larger than 2.5 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the thirty-second aspect, it ispossible to more certainly bring the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection into engagement with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the thirtieth to thirty-secondaspects is configured so that the axial length of the at least oneupshifting facilitation projection is equal to or larger than 3.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the thirty-third aspect, it ispossible to more certainly bring the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection into engagement with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the thirtieth to thirty-thirdaspects is configured so that the axial length of the at least oneupshifting facilitation projection is equal to or larger than 3.5 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the thirty-fourth aspect, it ispossible to more certainly bring the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection into engagement with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the thirtieth to thirty-fourthaspects is configured so that the axial length of the at least oneupshifting facilitation projection is equal to or smaller than 4.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the thirty-fifth aspect, it ispossible to more certainly bring the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection into engagement with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, abicycle sprocket has a rotational center axis. The bicycle sprocketcomprises a sprocket body and a chain engagement structure. The chainengagement structure is arranged on a radially outer periphery of thesprocket body. The chain engagement structure includes a plurality ofchain-driving teeth to engage with a bicycle chain to transmit arotational driving force to the bicycle chain. The chain engagementstructure includes at least one downshifting facilitation area tofacilitate a downshifting operation from the bicycle sprocket to asmaller sprocket. The chain engagement structure includes at least onedownshifting facilitation projection disposed in the at least onedownshifting facilitation area to engage with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the bicycle sprocket toward the smallersprocket. The at least one downshifting facilitation projection has afirst axial length defined in an axial direction parallel to therotational center axis. The chain engagement structure includes at leastone upshifting facilitation area to facilitate an upshifting operationfrom the smaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket. The chain engagementstructure includes at least one upshifting facilitation projectiondisposed in the at least one upshifting facilitation area to engage withthe bicycle chain when the bicycle chain shifts from the smallersprocket toward the bicycle sprocket, the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection having a second axial length defined in theaxial direction, the first axial length being different from the secondaxial length.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the thirty-sixth aspect, it ispossible to separately set the first axial length and the second axiallength to smoothly shift the bicycle chain between the bicycle sprocketand the smaller sprocket.

In accordance with a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the thirty-sixth aspect is configured sothat the first axial length is smaller than the second axial length.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the thirty-seventh aspect, it ispossible to achieve both of a certainly smooth downshifting operationand a certainly smooth upshifting operation.

In accordance with a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the thirty-sixth or thirty-seventh aspectis configured so that the first axial length is equal to or smaller than1.9 mm. The second axial length is equal to or larger than 2.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the thirty-eighth aspect, it ispossible to achieve both of a certainly smooth downshifting operationand a certainly smooth upshifting operation.

In accordance with a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the thirty-sixth tothirty-eighth aspects is configured so that the second axial length isequal to or larger than 2.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the thirty-ninth aspect, it ispossible to certainly bring the at least one upshifting facilitationprojection into engagement with the bicycle chain when the bicycle chainshifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicycle sprocket.

In accordance with a fortieth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the thirty-sixth tothirty-ninth aspects is configured so that the second axial length isequal to or larger than 2.5 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fortieth aspect, it ispossible to more certainly bring the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection into engagement with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a forty-first aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the thirty-sixth to fortiethaspects is configured so that the second axial length is equal to orlarger than 3.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the forty-first aspect, it ispossible to more certainly bring the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection into engagement with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a forty-second aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the thirty-sixth to forty-firstaspects is configured so that the second axial length is equal to orlarger than 3.5 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the forty-second aspect, it ispossible to more certainly bring the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection into engagement with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a forty-third aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the thirty-sixth toforty-second aspects is configured so that the second axial length isequal to or smaller than 4.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the forty-third aspect, it ispossible to more certainly bring the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection into engagement with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket.

In accordance with a forty-fourth aspect of the present invention, abicycle sprocket has a rotational center axis. The bicycle sprocketcomprises a sprocket body and a chain engagement structure. The chainengagement structure is arranged on a radially outer periphery of thesprocket body. The chain engagement structure includes a plurality ofchain-driving teeth to engage with a bicycle chain to transmit arotational driving force to the bicycle chain. The plurality ofchain-driving teeth includes at least one first tooth having a firstchain engaging width and at least one second tooth having a second chainengaging width. The first chain engaging width is larger than an innerlink space defined between an opposed pair of inner link plates of thebicycle chain and is smaller than an outer link space defined between anopposed pair of outer link plates of the bicycle chain. The second chainengaging width is smaller than the inner link space. The chainengagement structure includes at least one downshifting facilitationarea to facilitate a downshifting operation from the bicycle sprocket toa smaller sprocket. The at least one downshifting facilitation areadefines a first circumferential region about the rotational center axis.The chain engagement structure includes at least one upshiftingfacilitation area to facilitate an upshifting operation from the smallersprocket to the bicycle sprocket. The at least one upshiftingfacilitation area defines a second circumferential region about therotational center axis. The first circumferential region and the secondcircumferential region are provided to at least partly overlap with eachother in a circumferential direction defined about the rotational centeraxis.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the forty-fourth aspect, it ispossible to make a total area of the at least one downshiftingfacilitation area and the at least one upshifting facilitation areasmaller in the circumferential direction so that both of thedownshifting facilitation area and the upshifting facilitation area canbe disposed at an appropriate location since the first circumferentialregion and the second circumferential region being provided to at leastpartly overlap with each other in a circumferential direction definedabout the rotational center axis. Furthermore, both of the at least onefirst tooth and the at least one second tooth can prevent the bicyclechain from being unintentionally removed from the bicycle sprocket.Accordingly, it is possible to make the total area smaller withpreventing the bicycle chain from being unintentionally removed from thebicycle sprocket.

In accordance with a forty-fifth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the forty-fourth aspect is configured sothat one of the first circumferential region and the secondcircumferential region is entirely provided within the other of thefirst circumferential region and the second circumferential region.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the forty-fifth aspect, it ispossible to make a total area of the at least one downshiftingfacilitation area and the at least one upshifting facilitation area muchsmaller in the circumferential direction so that both of thedownshifting facilitation area and the upshifting facilitation area canbe disposed at an appropriate location.

In accordance with a forty-sixth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the forty-fourth or forty-fifth aspect isconfigured so that the first circumferential region is entirely providedwithin the second circumferential region.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the forty-sixth aspect, it ispossible to make a total area of the at least one downshiftingfacilitation area and the at least one upshifting facilitation area muchsmaller in the circumferential direction so that both of thedownshifting facilitation area and the upshifting facilitation area canbe disposed at an appropriate location.

In accordance with a forty-seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the forty-fourth to forty-sixthaspects is configured so that the first circumferential region isprovided at or close to a dead center of the bicycle sprocket.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the forty-seventh aspect, it ispossible to reduce a pedaling force applied from the bicycle chain tothe at least one downshifting facilitation area. This allows the bicyclechain to smoothly disengage from the bicycle sprocket.

In accordance with a forty-eighth aspect of the present invention, abicycle sprocket having a rotational center axis, the bicycle sprocketcomprises a sprocket body, a chain engagement structure, and a shiftingfacilitation projection. The chain engagement structure is arranged on aradially outer periphery of the sprocket body. The chain engagementstructure includes a plurality of chain-driving teeth to engage with abicycle chain to transmit a rotational driving force to the bicyclechain. The shifting facilitation projection is to facilitate anupshifting operation of the bicycle chain and to facilitate adownshifting operation of the bicycle chain.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the forty-eighth aspect, it ispossible to smooth the upshifting operation and the downshiftingoperation using the shifting facilitation projection provided as acommon projection. This can simplify the structure of the bicyclesprocket with facilitating the upshifting operation and the downshiftingoperation compared with a bicycle sprocket including separateprojections to respectively facilitate the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation.

In accordance with a forty-ninth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the forty-eighth aspect is configured sothat the plurality of chain-driving teeth includes at least oneupshifting facilitation tooth, and at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth which is disposed on a downstream side of the atleast one upshifting facilitation tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the forty-ninth aspect, it ispossible to effectively facilitate the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation using the shifting facilitation projection, theat least one upshifting facilitation tooth, and the at least onedownshifting facilitation tooth.

In accordance with a fiftieth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the forty-ninth aspect is configured sothat the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth is adjacent to theat least one upshifting facilitation tooth on a downstream side of theat least one upshifting facilitation tooth without another tooth betweenthe at least one upshifting facilitation tooth and the at least onedownshifting facilitation tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fiftieth aspect, it ispossible to reduce a size of an area in which the at least oneupshifting facilitation tooth and the at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth are disposed. Furthermore, it is possible to morecertainly bring the bicycle chain into engagement with the shiftingfacilitation projection during each of the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation in a case where the shifting facilitationprojection serves as upshifting and downshifting facilitationprojections.

In accordance with a fifty-first aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the forty-ninth or fiftieth aspect isconfigured so that the at least one downshifting facilitation toothincludes a downshifting derailing tooth to first derail the bicyclechain from the bicycle sprocket during the downshifting operation.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifty-first aspect, it ispossible to smoothly derail the bicycle chain from the bicycle sprocketduring the downshifting operation. This effectively facilitates thedownshifting operation.

In accordance with a fifty-second aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the fifty-first aspect is configured sothat the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth includes at leastone chamfered tooth disposed on a downstream side of the downshiftingderailing tooth in a rotational driving direction of the bicyclesprocket. The at least one chamfered tooth includes a downshiftingfacilitation chamfer disposed on an opposite side of the shiftingfacilitation projection in an axial direction parallel to the rotationalcenter axis.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifty-second aspect, it ispossible to more smoothly derail the bicycle chain from the bicyclesprocket during the downshifting operation. This more effectivelyfacilitates the downshifting operation.

In accordance with a fifty-third aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the fifty-second aspect is configured sothat the at least one chamfered tooth is adjacent to the downshiftingderailing tooth on the downstream side of the downshifting derailingtooth in the rotational driving direction without another tooth betweenthe at least one chamfered tooth and the downshifting derailing tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifty-third aspect, it ispossible to more smoothly derail the bicycle chain from the bicyclesprocket during the downshifting operation in a smaller area. Thisshortens a time period of the downshifting operation.

In accordance with a fifty-fourth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the forty-ninth to fifty-thirdaspects is configured so that the at least one upshifting facilitationtooth includes an upshifting receiving tooth to first receive thebicycle chain during the upshifting operation.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifty-fourth aspect, it ispossible to more smoothly receive the bicycle chain during theupshifting operation.

In accordance with a fifty-fifth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the fifty-fourth aspect is configured sothat the upshifting receiving tooth is spaced apart from the shiftingfacilitation projection by an even number of chain pitch of the bicyclechain.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifty-fifth aspect, it ispossible to more smoothly receive the bicycle chain lifted by theshifting facilitation projection during the upshifting operation.Furthermore, it is possible to certainly bring the opposed pair of outerlink plates of the bicycle chain into engagement with a specific tooth(the at least one first tooth).

In accordance with a fifty-sixth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the forty-ninth to fifty-fifthaspects is configured so that the at least one downshifting facilitationtooth includes a downshifting derailing tooth to first derail thebicycle chain from the bicycle sprocket during the downshiftingoperation. The at least one upshifting facilitation tooth includes anupshifting receiving tooth to first receive the bicycle chain during theupshifting operation. The shifting facilitation projection is disposedbetween the downshifting derailing tooth and the upshifting receivingtooth in a circumferential direction with respect to the rotationalcenter axis.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifty-sixth aspect, it ispossible to effectively facilitate the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation using the shifting facilitation projection, thedownshifting derailing tooth, and the upshifting receiving tooth.

In accordance with a fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the forty-ninth to fifty-sixthaspects is configured so that the chain engagement structure includes ashifting facilitation area in which the at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth and the at least one upshifting facilitation toothare disposed. The shifting facilitation projection is disposed in theshifting facilitation area to engage with an outer link plate of thebicycle chain during each of the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifty-seventh aspect, it ispossible to effectively facilitate the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation using the shifting facilitation projection.

In accordance with a fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the forty-ninth tofifty-seventh aspects is configured so that the at least onedownshifting facilitation tooth has a radial length shorter than aradial length of at least one of the plurality of chain-driving teethother than the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifty-eighth aspect, it ispossible to more effectively facilitate the downshifting operation.

In accordance with a fifty-ninth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the forty-ninth to fifty-eighthaspects is configured so that the plurality of chain-driving teethincludes at least one first tooth having a first chain engaging width,and at least one second tooth having a second chain engaging width. Thefirst chain engaging width is larger than an inner link space definedbetween an opposed pair of inner link plates of the bicycle chain and issmaller than an outer link space defined between an opposed pair ofouter link plates of the bicycle chain. The second chain engaging widthis smaller than the inner link space.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifty-ninth aspect, it ispossible to improve chain-holding performance to hold the bicycle chain.

In accordance with a sixtieth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the fifty-ninth aspect is configured sothat the shifting facilitation projection has an axial length definedfrom an axial side surface of the at least one second tooth in an axialdirection parallel to the rotational center axis. The axial length ofthe shifting facilitation projection is equal to or greater than 1.0 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the sixtieth aspect, it ispossible to certainly bring the shifting facilitation projection intoengagement with the bicycle chain during the upshifting operation andthe downshifting operation.

In accordance with a sixty-first aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the fifty-ninth or sixtieth aspect isconfigured so that the at least one downshifting facilitation toothincludes a downshifting derailing tooth to first derail the bicyclechain from the bicycle sprocket during the downshifting operation. Theat least one second tooth includes the downshifting derailing tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the sixty-first aspect, it ispossible to smoothly derail the bicycle chain from the bicycle sprocket.This effectively facilitates the downshifting operation.

In accordance with a sixty-second aspect of the present invention, abicycle sprocket assembly comprises the bicycle sprocket according toany one of the forty-eighth to sixty-first aspects, and a smallersprocket adjacent to the bicycle sprocket without another sprocketbetween the smaller sprocket and the bicycle sprocket.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-second aspect,it is possible to set a chain-downshifting distance defined between thebicycle sprocket and the smaller sprocket as appropriate so that thebicycle chain smoothly shifts from the bicycle sprocket to the smallersprocket during the downshifting operation and/or smoothly shifts fromthe smaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket during the upshiftingoperation.

In accordance with a sixty-third aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-second aspect isconfigured so that the smaller sprocket includes a downshiftingreceiving tooth to first receive the bicycle chain during thedownshifting operation. The plurality of chain-driving teeth includes atleast one upshifting facilitation tooth, and at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth which is disposed on a downstream side of the atleast one upshifting facilitation tooth. The at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth includes a downshifting derailing tooth to firstderail the bicycle chain from the bicycle sprocket during thedownshifting operation. The shifting facilitation projection is disposedat a position such that the downshifting receiving tooth is spaced apartfrom the downshifting derailing tooth by an uneven number of chain pitchof the bicycle chain on a chain line of the bicycle chain during thedownshifting operation.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-third aspect,it is possible to smoothly shift the bicycle chain from the bicyclesprocket to the smaller sprocket.

In accordance with a sixty-fourth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-third aspect isconfigured so that the uneven number of chain pitch is equal to orsmaller than nine.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-fourth aspect,it is possible to quickly complete the downshifting operation.

In accordance with a sixty-fifth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-third or sixty-fourthaspect is configured so that the uneven number of chain pitch is equalto or smaller than seven.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-fifth aspect,it is possible to more quickly complete the downshifting operation.

In accordance with a sixty-sixth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to any one of the sixty-third tosixty-fifth aspects is configured so that the uneven number of chainpitch is equal to or smaller than five.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-sixth aspect,it is possible to more quickly complete the downshifting operation.

In accordance with a sixty-seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to any one of the sixty-third tosixty-sixth aspects is configured so that the plurality of chain-drivingteeth includes at least one first tooth having a first chain engagingwidth, and at least one second tooth having a second chain engagingwidth. The first chain engaging width is larger than an inner link spacedefined between an opposed pair of inner link plates of the bicyclechain and is smaller than an outer link space defined between an opposedpair of outer link plates of the bicycle chain. The second chainengaging width is smaller than the inner link space. The smallersprocket includes an additional sprocket body, and an additional chainengagement structure arranged on a radially outer periphery of theadditional sprocket body. The additional chain engagement structureincludes a plurality of additional chain-driving teeth to engage withthe bicycle chain to transmit the rotational driving force to thebicycle chain. The plurality of additional chain-driving teeth includesat least one first additional tooth having a third chain engaging width,and at least one second additional tooth having a fourth chain engagingwidth. The third chain engaging width is larger than the inner linkspace defined between the opposed pair of inner link plates of thebicycle chain and is smaller than the outer link space defined betweenthe opposed pair of outer link plates of the bicycle chain. The fourthchain engaging width is smaller than the inner link space.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-seventhaspect, it is possible to improve chain-holding performance of each ofthe bicycle sprocket and the smaller sprocket. This improveschain-holding performance of the bicycle sprocket assembly.

In accordance with a sixty-eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-seventh aspect isconfigured so that the at least one second tooth includes thedownshifting derailing tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-eighth aspect,it is possible to more smoothly derail the bicycle chain from thebicycle sprocket. This effectively facilitates the downshiftingoperation.

In accordance with a sixty-ninth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-seventh or sixty-eighthaspect is configured so that the at least one first tooth includes anupshifting receiving tooth to first receive the bicycle chain during theupshifting operation. The at least one first additional tooth includesthe downshifting receiving tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the sixty-ninth aspect,it is possible to smoothly receive the bicycle chain during theupshifting operation and the downshifting operation. This effectivelyfacilitates the upshifting operation and the downshifting operation.

In accordance with a seventieth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to any one of the sixty-second tosixty-ninth aspects is configured so that the smaller sprocket includesan additional sprocket body, and an additional chain engagementstructure arranged on a radially outer periphery of the additionalsprocket body. The additional chain engagement structure includes aplurality of additional chain-driving teeth to engage with the bicyclechain to transmit the rotational driving force to the bicycle chain. Thetotal number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth is 36. The totalnumber of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth is 26.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the seventieth aspect,it is possible to provide one of combinations which are suitable for thecertain and quick downshifting operation facilitated by the downshiftingfacilitation projection.

In accordance with a seventy-first aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to any one of the sixty-second toseventieth aspects is configured so that the smaller sprocket includesan additional sprocket body, and an additional chain engagementstructure arranged on a radially outer periphery of the additionalsprocket body. The additional chain engagement structure includes aplurality of additional chain-driving teeth to engage with the bicyclechain to transmit the rotational driving force to the bicycle chain Thetotal number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth is 38. The totalnumber of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth is 28.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the seventy-firstaspect, it is possible to provide one of combinations which are suitablefor the certain and quick downshifting operation facilitated by thedownshifting facilitation projection.

In accordance with a seventy-second aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to any one of the sixty-second toseventy-first aspects is configured so that the smaller sprocketincludes an additional sprocket body, and an additional chain engagementstructure arranged on a radially outer periphery of the additionalsprocket body. The additional chain engagement structure includes aplurality of additional chain-driving teeth to engage with the bicyclechain to transmit the rotational driving force to the bicycle chain. Thetotal number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth is 40. The totalnumber of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth is 30.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the seventy-secondaspect, it is possible to provide one of combinations which are suitablefor the certain and quick downshifting operation facilitated by thedownshifting facilitation projection.

In accordance with a seventy-third aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket assembly according to any one of the sixty-third toseventy-second aspects is configured so that the smaller sprocketincludes an additional sprocket body, and an additional chain engagementstructure arranged on a radially outer periphery of the additionalsprocket body. The additional chain engagement structure includes aplurality of additional chain-driving teeth to engage with the bicyclechain to transmit the rotational driving force to the bicycle chain. Thetotal number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth is 48. The totalnumber of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth is 36.

With the bicycle sprocket assembly according to the seventy-thirdaspect, it is possible to provide one of combinations which are suitablefor the certain and quick downshifting operation facilitated by thedownshifting facilitation projection.

In accordance with a seventy-fourth aspect of the present invention, abicycle sprocket having a rotational center axis. The bicycle sprocketcomprises a sprocket body, a chain engagement structure, and a shiftingfacilitation projection. The chain engagement structure is arranged on aradially outer periphery of the sprocket body. The chain engagementstructure includes a plurality of chain-driving teeth and a shiftingfacilitation area. The plurality of chain-driving teeth is to engagewith a bicycle chain to transmit a rotational driving force to thebicycle chain. The plurality of chain-driving teeth includes at leastone upshifting facilitation tooth and at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth which is adjacent to the at least one upshiftingfacilitation tooth without another tooth between the at least oneupshifting facilitation tooth and the at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth. The at least one upshifting facilitation tooth andthe at least one downshifting facilitation tooth are disposed in theshifting facilitation area. The shifting facilitation projection isdisposed in the shifting facilitation area.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the seventy-fourth aspect, it ispossible to smooth at least one of the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation using the shifting facilitation projection. Thisfacilitates at least one of the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation.

In accordance with a seventy-fifth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the seventy-fourth aspect is configured sothat the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth is adjacent to theat least one upshifting facilitation tooth on a downstream side of theat least one upshifting facilitation tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the seventy-fifth aspect, it ispossible to effectively facilitate at least one of the upshiftingoperation and the downshifting operation using the shifting facilitationprojection, the at least one upshifting facilitation tooth, and the atleast one downshifting facilitation tooth.

In accordance with a seventy-sixth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspectsis configured so that the at least one downshifting facilitationprojection includes a projection end and an inclined outer surfaceprovided between the projection end and the sprocket body in an axialdirection parallel to the rotational center axis. The at least onedownshifting facilitation projection includes a center axis and extendsalong the center axis. A radial distance is defined from the rotationalcenter axis and the inclined outer surface in a radially outer areadefined radially outwardly of the center axis of the at least onedownshifting facilitation projection with respect to the rotationalcenter axis. The inclined outer surface is inclined relative to therotational center axis to decrease the radial distance from theprojection end toward the sprocket body.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the seventy-sixth aspect, theinclined outer surface of the at least one downshifting facilitationprojection moves the bicycle chain toward the sprocket body in the axialdirection when the bicycle chain is engaged with the at least onedownshifting facilitation projection. Accordingly, it is possible tocertainly adjust the chain-downshifting distance.

In accordance with a seventy-seventh aspect of the present invention,the bicycle sprocket according to the seventy-sixth aspect is configuredso that the inclined outer surface includes a curved surface.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the seventy-seventh aspect, thecurved surface smoothly brings the inclined outer surface intoengagement with the bicycle chain.

In accordance with a seventy-eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to the seventy-sixth or seventy-seventhaspect is configured so that the at least one downshifting facilitationprojection at least partly has a truncated cone shape at least partlydefined by the inclined outer surface.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the seventy-eighth aspect, thetruncated cone shape makes the at least one downshifting facilitationprojection easy to be manufactured.

In accordance with a seventy-ninth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle sprocket according to any one of the seventy-sixth toseventy-eighth aspects is configured so that an inclined angle definedbetween the inclined outer surface and the rotational center axis isequal to or smaller than 45 degrees.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the seventy-ninth aspect, theinclination angle of the inclined outer surface effectively moves thebicycle chain toward the sprocket body in the axial direction when thebicycle chain is engaged with the at least one downshifting facilitationprojection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle sprocket assembly inaccordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is another side elevational view of a bicycle sprocket assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bicycle sprocket assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1 with a sprocket mounting member omitted.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the bicycle sprocket assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1 with the sprocket mounting member omitted.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a bicycle sprocket of the bicyclesprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket taken alongline VI-VI of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket taken alongline VII-VII of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a smaller sprocket of the bicyclesprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket taken alongline IX-IX of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket taken alongline X-X of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the bicycle sprocket illustratedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket assembly takenalong line XII-XII of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket assembly takenalong line XIII-XIII of FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 is a partial side elevational view of the bicycle sprocketillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle sprocketillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is another partial perspective view of the bicycle sprocketillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the bicycle sprocket assembly illustrated inFIG. 1 with a bicycle chain

FIG. 18 is a partial side elevational view of the bicycle sprocketassembly illustrated in FIG. 1 with the bicycle chain

FIG. 19 is a partial side elevational view of the bicycle sprocketassembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a bicycle sprocket assembly inaccordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is another side elevational view of the bicycle sprocketassembly illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the bicycle sprocket assemblyillustrated in FIG. 20 with a sprocket mounting member omitted.

FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the bicycle sprocket assemblyillustrated in FIG. 20 with the sprocket mounting member omitted.

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of a bicycle sprocket of the bicyclesprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket taken alongline XXV-XXV of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket taken alongline XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a smaller sprocket of the bicyclesprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket taken alongline XXVIII-XXVIII of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket taken alongline XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a partial side elevational view of the bicycle sprocketassembly illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle sprocket assemblyillustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 32 is another partial perspective view of the bicycle sprocketassembly illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket taken alongline XXXIII-XXXIII of FIG. 30.

FIG. 34 is a partial side elevational view of the bicycle sprocketassembly illustrated in FIG. 20 with the bicycle chain (downshiftingoperation).

FIG. 35 is a partial side elevational view of the bicycle sprocketassembly illustrated in FIG. 20 with the bicycle chain (upshiftingoperation).

FIG. 36 is a partial enlarged side elevational view of a bicyclesprocket assembly in accordance with a modification of the first andsecond embodiments.

FIG. 37 is a side elevational view of a bicycle sprocket assembly inaccordance with a third embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a partial side elevational view of a bicycle sprocket of thebicycle sprocket assembly illustrated in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket taken alongline XXXIX-XXXIX of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle sprocketillustrated in FIG. 38.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bicycle sprocket assembly 10comprises a bicycle sprocket 12 in accordance with a first embodiment.The bicycle sprocket 12 has a rotational center axis A1. The bicyclesprocket 12 is rotatable about the rotational center axis A1 relative toa bicycle frame (not shown). The bicycle sprocket 12 is engaged with abicycle chain BC to transmit a rotational driving force F1 to thebicycle chain BC. The bicycle sprocket assembly 10 comprises a smallersprocket 14. The smaller sprocket 14 is engaged with the bicycle chainBC to transmit the rotational driving force F1 to the bicycle chain BC.The smaller sprocket 14 has an outer diameter smaller than an outerdiameter of the bicycle sprocket 12. While the bicycle sprocket assembly10 comprises the bicycle sprocket 12 and the smaller sprocket 14 in thisembodiment, the bicycle sprocket assembly 10 can comprise additionalsprocket in addition to the bicycle sprocket 12 and the smaller sprocket14. In this embodiment, the bicycle sprocket assembly 10 is a frontsprocket assembly. The bicycle chain BC is shifted between the bicyclesprocket 12 and the smaller sprocket 14 by a front derailleur (notshown).

In the present application, the following directional terms “front”,“rear”, “forward”, “rearward”, “left”, “right”, “transverse”, “upward”and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions which are determined on the basis of a user (e.g., arider) who sits on a saddle (not shown) of a bicycle with facing ahandlebar (not shown). Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describethe bicycle sprocket 12 of the bicycle sprocket assembly 10, should beinterpreted relative to the bicycle equipped with the bicycle sprocket12 as used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bicycle sprocket assembly 10 includes asprocket mounting member 16, a crank axle CA1, a right crank arm CA2,and a left crank arm CA3. The sprocket mounting member 16 includes crankconnecting arms 18. The bicycle sprocket 12 comprises crank attachmentportions 19. The smaller sprocket 14 comprises additional crankattachment portions 20. The crank connecting arms 18 are respectivelyfastened to the crank attachment portions 19 by fasteners such as bolts(not shown). The additional crank attachment portions 20 are fastened tothe sprocket mounting member 16 by fasteners such as bolts (not shown).

The right crank arm CA2 and the left crank min CA3 are secured to thecrank axle CAL The right crank arm CA2 and the left crank arm CA3 arerotatably mounted to the bicycle frame about the rotational center axisA1 via the crank axle CA1. The sprocket mounting member 16 is mounted onthe right crank arm CA2 to be rotatable integrally with the right crankarm CA2 about the rotational center axis A1. The sprocket mountingmember 16 can also be integrally provided with the right crank arm CA2as a one-piece unitary member. Namely, the bicycle sprocket 12 isrotatable integrally with the sprocket mounting member 16 and the rightcrank arm CA2 about the rotational center axis A1. The bicycle sprocket12 is rotatable about the rotational center axis A1 in a rotationaldriving direction D11 during pedaling. The rotational driving directionD11 is defined along a circumferential direction D1 defined about therotational center axis A1.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the smaller sprocket 14 is adjacent to thebicycle sprocket 12 without another sprocket between the smallersprocket 14 and the bicycle sprocket 12. The smaller sprocket 14 isadjacent to the bicycle sprocket 12 in an axial direction D2 parallel tothe rotational center axis A1 without another sprocket between thesmaller sprocket 14 and the bicycle sprocket 12.

As seen in FIG. 5, the bicycle sprocket 12 comprises a sprocket body 22and a chain engagement structure 24. The sprocket body 22 has an annularshape. The crank attachment portions 19 extend radially inward from aninner periphery of the sprocket body 22. The chain engagement structure24 is arranged on a radially outer periphery of the sprocket body 22.The chain engagement structure 24 includes a plurality of chain-drivingteeth 26 to engage with the bicycle chain BC to transmit the rotationaldriving force F1 to the bicycle chain BC. The chain-driving teeth 26 arearranged at a constant pitch in the circumferential direction D1.

The plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 includes at least one firsttooth 28 and at least one second tooth 30. In this embodiment, theplurality of chain-driving teeth 26 includes a plurality of first teeth28 and a plurality of second teeth 30. Preferably, the first teeth 28and the second teeth 30 are alternately arranged in the circumferentialdirection D1 of the bicycle sprocket 12.

As seen in FIG. 6, the at least one first tooth 28 has a first chainengaging width W1. The first chain engaging width W1 is defined in theaxial direction D2. Each of the first teeth 28 has the first chainengaging width W1. As seen in FIG. 7, the at least one second tooth 30has a second chain engaging width W2. The second chain engaging width W2is defined in the axial direction D2. Each of the second teeth 30 hasthe second chain engaging width W2. As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the firstchain engaging width W1 is larger than an inner link space BC11 definedbetween an opposed pair of inner link plates BC1 of the bicycle chainBC. The first chain engaging width W1 is smaller than an outer linkspace BC21 defined between an opposed pair of outer link plates BC2 ofthe bicycle chain BC. The second chain engaging width W2 is smaller thanthe inner link space BC11.

As seen in FIG. 6, the at least one first tooth 28 includes a firstaxial end 28A and a first opposite axial end 28B opposite to the firstaxial end 28A in the axial direction D2. The first axial end 28A and thefirst opposite axial end 28B are contactable with the outer link plateBC2 of the bicycle chain BC. The first chain engaging width W1 isdefined between the first axial end 28A and the first opposite axial end28B in the axial direction D2. In this embodiment, each of the firstteeth 28 includes the first axial end 28A and the first opposite axialend 28B opposite to the first axial end 28A in the axial direction D2.In each of the first teeth 28, the first chain engaging width W1 isdefined between the first axial end 28A and the first opposite axial end28B in the axial direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 7, the at least one second tooth 30 includes a secondaxial end 30A and a second opposite axial end 30B opposite to the secondaxial end 30A in the axial direction D2. The second axial end 30A andthe second opposite axial end 30B are contactable with the inner linkplate BC1 of the bicycle chain BC. The second chain engaging width W2 isdefined between the second axial end 30A and the second opposite axialend 30B in the axial direction D2. In this embodiment, each of thesecond teeth 30 includes the second axial end 30A and the secondopposite axial end 30B opposite to the second axial end 30A in the axialdirection D2. In each of the second teeth 30, the second chain engagingwidth W2 is defined between the second axial end 30A and the secondopposite axial end 30B in the axial direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 8, the smaller sprocket 14 comprises an additionalsprocket body 32 and an additional chain engagement structure 34. Theadditional sprocket body 32 has an annular shape. The additional crankattachment portions 20 extend radially inward from an inner periphery ofthe additional sprocket body 32. The additional chain engagementstructure 34 is arranged on a radially outer periphery of the additionalsprocket body 32. The additional chain engagement structure 34 includesa plurality of additional chain-driving teeth 36 to engage with thebicycle chain BC to transmit the rotational driving force F1 to thebicycle chain BC. The additional chain-driving teeth 36 are arranged ata constant pitch in the circumferential direction D1.

The plurality of additional chain-driving teeth 36 includes at least onefirst additional tooth 38 and at least one second additional tooth 40.In this embodiment, the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth 36includes a plurality of first additional teeth 38 and a plurality ofsecond additional teeth 40. Preferably, the first additional teeth 38and the second additional teeth 40 are alternately arranged in thecircumferential direction D1 defined about the rotational center axisA1. A total number of the additional chain-driving teeth 36 of thesmaller sprocket 14 is less than a total number of the chain-drivingteeth 26 of the bicycle sprocket 12. In this embodiment, a total numberof the plurality of chain-driving teeth is 36, and a total number of theplurality of additional chain-driving teeth 36 is 24. However, thecombination of the total number of the chain-driving teeth and the totalnumber of the additional chain-driving teeth is not limited to thisembodiment. For example, the total number of the plurality ofchain-driving teeth 26 can be 40, and the total number of the pluralityof additional chain-driving teeth 36 can be 28. Furthermore, the totalnumber of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 can be 52, and thetotal number of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth 36 canbe 32.

As seen in FIG. 9, the at least one first additional tooth 38 has athird chain engaging width W3. The third chain engaging width W3 isdefined in the axial direction D2. Each of the first additional teeth 38has the third chain engaging width W3. As seen in FIG. 10, the at leastone second additional tooth 40 has a fourth chain engaging width W4. Thefourth chain engaging width W4 is defined in the axial direction D2.Each of the second additional teeth 40 has the fourth chain engagingwidth W4. As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the third chain engaging width W3is larger than an inner link space BC11 defined between an opposed pairof inner link plates BC1 of the bicycle chain BC and is smaller than anouter link space BC21 defined between an opposed pair of outer linkplates BC2 of the bicycle chain BC. The fourth chain engaging width W4is smaller than the inner link space BC11.

As seen in FIG. 5, the chain engagement structure 24 includes at leastone downshifting facilitation area 42 to facilitate a downshiftingoperation from the bicycle sprocket 12 to the smaller sprocket 14. Inthis embodiment, the chain engagement structure 24 includes a pluralityof downshifting facilitation areas 42 to facilitate the downshiftingoperation from the bicycle sprocket 12 to the smaller sprocket 14.

The chain engagement structure 24 includes at least one downshiftingfacilitation projection 44 disposed in the at least one downshiftingfacilitation area 42 to engage with the bicycle chain BC when thebicycle chain BC shifts from the bicycle sprocket 12 toward the smallersprocket 14. In this embodiment, the chain engagement structure 24includes a plurality of downshifting facilitation projections 44respectively disposed in the downshifting facilitation areas 42 toengage with the bicycle chain BC when the bicycle chain BC shifts fromthe bicycle sprocket 12 toward the smaller sprocket 14. The downshiftingfacilitation projections 44 are secured to the sprocket body 22 via afastening structure such as a rivet.

The downshifting facilitation projection 44 is disposed closer to one ofthe first teeth 28 than to the second teeth 30. However, thedownshifting facilitation projection 44 can be disposed closer to one ofthe second teeth 30 than to the first teeth 28. While the downshiftingfacilitation projections 44 are separate members from the chain-drivingteeth 26 in this embodiment, at least one of the downshiftingfacilitation projections 44 can be integrally provided withchain-driving teeth 26 as a one-piece unitary member.

The chain engagement structure 24 includes at least one upshiftingfacilitation area 46 to facilitate an upshifting operation from thesmaller sprocket 14 to the bicycle sprocket 12. In this embodiment, thechain engagement structure 24 includes a plurality of upshiftingfacilitation areas 46 to facilitate the upshifting operation from thesmaller sprocket 14 to the bicycle sprocket 12.

The chain engagement structure 24 includes at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection 48 disposed in the at least one upshiftingfacilitation area 46 to engage with the bicycle chain BC when thebicycle chain BC shifts from the smaller sprocket 14 toward the bicyclesprocket 12. In this embodiment, the chain engagement structure 24includes a plurality of upshifting facilitation projections 48 disposedin the upshifting facilitation areas 46 to engage with the bicycle chainBC when the bicycle chain BC shifts from the smaller sprocket 14 towardthe bicycle sprocket 12. The upshifting facilitation projections 48 aresecured to the sprocket body 22 via a fastening structure such as arivet.

The upshifting facilitation projection 48 is disposed closer to one ofthe first teeth 28 than to the second teeth 30. However, the upshiftingfacilitation projection 48 can be disposed closer to one of the secondteeth 30 than to the first teeth 28. While the upshifting facilitationprojections 48 are separate members from the chain-driving teeth 26 inthis embodiment, at least one of the upshifting facilitation projections48 can be integrally provided with chain-driving teeth 26 as a one-pieceunitary member.

The sprocket body 22 includes side recesses 49 to reduce interferencebetween the sprocket body 22 and the bicycle chain BC and to guide thebicycle chain BC toward sprocket teeth of the bicycle sprocket 12 duringthe upshifting operation. The upshifting facilitation projection 48 isprovided between the side recess 49 and the downshifting facilitationprojection 44 in the circumferential direction D1 defined about therotational center axis A1.

The at least one downshifting facilitation area 42 at least partlyoverlaps with the at least one upshifting facilitation area 46 in thecircumferential direction D1 defined about the rotational center axisA1. In this embodiment, the downshifting facilitation areas 42 at leastpartly overlap with the upshifting facilitation areas 46 in thecircumferential direction D1, respectively.

As seen in FIG. 5, the at least one downshifting facilitation area 42defines a first circumferential region CR1 about the rotational centeraxis A1. The at least one upshifting facilitation area 46 defines asecond circumferential region CR2 about the rotational center axis A1.The first circumferential region CR1 and the second circumferentialregion CR2 are provided to at least partly overlap with each other inthe circumferential direction D defined about the rotational center axisA1.

In this embodiment, one of the first circumferential region CR1 and thesecond circumferential region CR2 is entirely provided within the otherof the first circumferential region CR1 and the second circumferentialregion CR2. The first circumferential region CR1 is entirely providedwithin the second circumferential region CR2. However, the firstcircumferential region CR1 can be partly provided within the secondcircumferential region CR2. The second circumferential region CR2 can bepartly provided within the first circumferential region CR1. The secondcircumferential region CR2 can be entirely provided within the firstcircumferential region CR1. Each of the first circumferential region CR1and the second circumferential region CR2 is defined based on toothbottoms provided between the chain-driving teeth 26.

As seen in FIG. 2, the bicycle sprocket 12 has dead centers DC1 and DC2.The dead center DC2 is disposed opposite the dead center DC1 relative tothe rotational center axis A1 The right crank arm CA2 has a center lineCL1 extending from the rotational center axis A1. The left crank aim CA3has a center line CL2 extending from the rotational center axis A1. Thedead center DC1 is disposed on the center line CL1 of the right crankaim CA2 when viewed from the axial direction D2. The dead center DC2 isdisposed on the center line CL2 of the left crank arm CA3 when viewedfrom the axial direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 5, the at least one downshifting facilitation area 42 isprovided at or close to the dead center DC1 or DC2 of the bicyclesprocket 12. The at least one downshifting facilitation area 42 ispreferably provided on an upstream side relative to the dead center DC1or DC2 in the rotational driving direction D11 of the bicycle sprocket12.

The downshifting facilitation areas 42 are respectively provided at orclose to the dead centers DC1 and DC2 of the bicycle sprocket 12. Thedownshifting facilitation areas 42 are preferably respectively providedon the upstream side relative to the dead centers DC1 and DC2 in therotational driving direction D11 of the bicycle sprocket 12.

The first circumferential region CR1 is provided at or close to the deadcenter DC1 or DC2 of the bicycle sprocket 12. In this embodiment, thefirst circumferential region CR1 is provided at the dead center DC1 orDC2 of the bicycle sprocket 12 when viewed from the axial direction D2.One end of the first circumferential region CR1 coincides with the deadcenter DC1 or DC2 when viewed from the axial direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 5, the at least one upshifting facilitation area 46 isprovided at or close to the dead center DC1 or DC2 of the bicyclesprocket 12. The at least one upshifting facilitation area 46 ispreferably provided on an upstream side relative to the dead center DC1or DC2 in the rotational driving direction D11 of the bicycle sprocket12.

The upshifting facilitation areas 46 are respectively provided at orclose to the dead centers DC1 and DC2 of the bicycle sprocket 12. Theupshifting facilitation areas 46 are respectively provided at the deadcenters DC1 and DC2 in the rotational driving direction D11 of thebicycle sprocket 12.

The second circumferential region CR2 is provided at or close to thedead center DC1 or DC2 of the bicycle sprocket 12. In this embodiment,the second circumferential region CR2 is provided at the dead center DC1or DC2 of the bicycle sprocket 12 when viewed from the axial directionD2. The dead centers DC1 and DC2 are provided in the secondcircumferential region CR2 when viewed from the axial direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 11, a first area AR1 is defined from one of the at leastone downshifting facilitation projection 44 to one of the at least oneupshifting facilitation projection 48 in a first circumferentialdirection D1A defined about the rotational center axis A1. The firstarea AR1 has a first maximum circumferential angle AG1 defined about therotational center axis A1. In this embodiment, the first area AR1 isdefined from one of the downshifting facilitation projections 44 to oneof the upshifting facilitation projections 48 in the firstcircumferential direction D1A. Specifically, the downshiftingfacilitation projection 44 includes a downshifting projection centerPC1. The upshifting facilitation projection 48 includes an upshiftingprojection center PC2. The first area AR1 is defined from one of thedownshifting projection centers PC1 to one of the upshifting projectioncenters PC2 in the first circumferential direction D1A.

A second area AR2 is defined from the one of the at least onedownshifting facilitation projection 44 to the one of the at least oneupshifting facilitation projection 48 in a second circumferentialdirection D1B. In this embodiment, the second area AR2 is defined fromthe one of the downshifting facilitation projections 44 to the one ofthe upshifting facilitation projections 48 in the second circumferentialdirection D1B. The second circumferential direction D1B is opposite tothe first circumferential direction D1A in the circumferential directionD1. Specifically, the second area AR2 is defined from the one of thedownshifting projection centers PC1 to the one of the upshiftingprojection centers PC2 in the second circumferential direction D1B. Thesecond area AR2 has a second maximum circumferential angle AG2 definedabout the rotational center axis A1.

The first maximum circumferential angle AG1 is smaller than the secondmaximum circumferential angle AG2. In this embodiment, the plurality ofchain-driving teeth 26 includes three teeth 26 disposed in the firstarea AR1. The three teeth 26 are entirely disposed in the first areaAR1. The three teeth 26 includes one of the first teeth 28 and two ofthe second teeth 30. However, the three teeth 26 can include two of thefirst teeth 28 and one of the second teeth 30.

As seen in FIG. 12, the sprocket body 22 defines a first axial side S1(FIG. 4) and a second axial side S2 (FIG. 3) opposite to the first axialside S1 in the axial direction D2 parallel to the rotational center axisA1. The smaller sprocket 14 is adjacent to the first axial side S1 ofthe sprocket body 22 in the axial direction D2.

The at least one downshifting facilitation projection 44 is provided onthe first axial side S1. The at least one downshifting facilitationprojection 44 has a first axial length L1 defined in the axial directionD2 parallel to the rotational center axis A1. In this embodiment, eachof the downshifting facilitation projections 44 has the first axiallength L1. The first axial length L1 is defined from the second axialend 30A of the second tooth 30 in the axial direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 13, the at least one upshifting facilitation projection48 is provided on the first axial side S1. The at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection 48 has a second axial length L2 (an axiallength) defined in the axial direction D2. In this embodiment, each ofthe upshifting facilitation projections 48 has the second axial lengthL2. The second axial length L2 is defined from the second axial end 30Aof the second tooth 30 in the axial direction D2. The second axiallength L2 can also be referred to as an axial length L2.

As seen in FIG. 12, the first axial length L1 is different from thesecond axial length L2. The first axial length L1 is smaller than thesecond axial length L2. However, the first axial length L1 can be equalto or larger than the second axial length L2.

In this embodiment, the first axial length L1 is equal to or smallerthan 1.9 mm. The second axial length (the axial length) L2 is equal toor larger than 2.0 mm The second axial length (the axial length) L2 isequal to or larger than 2.5 mm. The second axial length (the axiallength) L2 is equal to or larger than 3.0 mm. The second axial length(the axial length) L2 is equal to or larger than 3.5 mm. The secondaxial length (the axial length) L2 is equal to or smaller than 4.0 mm.However, each of the first axial length L1 and the second axial lengthL2 is not limited to the above lengths.

The first axial length L1 of the at least one downshifting facilitationprojection 44 is larger than an axial distance L3 defined between thefirst axial end 28A of the at least one first tooth 28 and the secondaxial end 30A of the at least one second tooth 30 in the axial directionD2 on the first axial side S1. In this embodiment, the first axiallength L1 of each of the downshifting facilitation projections 44 islarger than the axial distance L3 defined between the first axial end28A of the at least one first tooth 28 and the second axial end 30A ofthe at least one second tooth 30 in the axial direction D2 on the firstaxial side S1.

As seen in FIG. 13, the axial length L2 of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection 48 is larger than the axial distance L3 definedbetween the first axial end 28A of the at least one first tooth 28 andthe second axial end 30A of the at least one second tooth 30 in theaxial direction D2 on the first axial side S1. In this embodiment, theaxial length L2 of each of the upshifting facilitation projections 48 islarger than the axial distance L3 defined between the first axial end28A of the at least one first tooth 28 and the second axial end 30A ofthe at least one second tooth 30 in the axial direction D2 on the firstaxial side S1.

Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 12, a difference L4 defined between thefirst axial length L1 and the second axial length L2 is larger than theaxial distance L3. However, the difference L4 can be equal to or smallerthan the axial distance L3.

As seen in FIG. 14, the plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 includes atleast one downshifting facilitation tooth provided in the at least onedownshifting facilitation area 42. In this embodiment, the plurality ofchain-driving teeth 26 includes a plurality of downshifting facilitationteeth 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D provided in each of the downshiftingfacilitation areas 42. The downshifting facilitation teeth 50A, 50B,50C, and 50D are arranged in this order from a downstream side to anupstream side of the rotational driving direction D11. The downshiftingfacilitation tooth 50D is the first tooth 28 closest to the downshiftingfacilitation projection 44 among the first teeth 28.

As seen in FIG. 15, at least one of the at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth 50A, 50B, 50C, and/or 50D includes a firstdownshifting facilitation chamfer 52. The first downshiftingfacilitation chamfer 52 is provided on one of the first axial side S1and the second axial side S2 to facilitate the downshifting operationfrom the bicycle sprocket 12 to the smaller sprocket 14.

In this embodiment, the downshifting facilitation tooth 50C includes thefirst downshifting facilitation chamfer 52. The first downshiftingfacilitation chamfer 52 is provided on the first axial side S1 tofacilitate the downshifting operation from the bicycle sprocket 12 tothe smaller sprocket 14. The first downshifting facilitation chamfer 52is to guide the bicycle chain BC toward the smaller sprocket 14 tofacilitate engagement of the bicycle chain BC with one of sprocket teethof the smaller sprocket 14 during a downshifting operation.

As seen in FIG. 16, at least one of the at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth 50A, 50B, 50C, and/or 50D includes a seconddownshifting facilitation chamfer 54. The second downshiftingfacilitation chamfer 54 is provided on the other of the first axial sideS1 and the second axial side S2 to facilitate the downshifting operationfrom the bicycle sprocket 12 to the smaller sprocket 14.

In this embodiment, each of the downshifting facilitation teeth 50A and50B includes the second downshifting facilitation chamfer 54. The seconddownshifting facilitation chamfer 54 is provided on the second axialside S2 to facilitate the downshifting operation from the bicyclesprocket 12 to the smaller sprocket 14. The second downshiftingfacilitation chamfer 54 is to guide the bicycle chain BC toward thesmaller sprocket 14 to facilitate engagement of the bicycle chain BCwith one of sprocket teeth of the smaller sprocket 14 during adownshifting operation.

As seen in FIG. 14, the plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 includes atleast one upshifting facilitation tooth provided in the at least oneupshifting facilitation area 46. In this embodiment, the plurality ofchain-driving teeth 26 includes a plurality of upshifting facilitationteeth 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D, 56E, and 56F provided in each of theupshifting facilitation areas 46. The upshifting facilitation teeth 56A,56B, 56C, 56D, 56E, and 56F are arranged in this order from a downstreamside to an upstream side of the rotational driving direction D11. Theupshifting facilitation tooth 56A is the first tooth 28 closest to theupshifting facilitation projection 48 among the first teeth 28. Theupshifting facilitation teeth 56B, 56C, 56D, and 56E are respectivelythe downshifting facilitation teeth 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D. The totalnumber of the upshifting facilitation tooth is not limited to thisembodiment. For example, the tooth 56F can be a chain-driving tooth, andthe tooth 56E can be a downshifting facilitation tooth only.

As seen in FIG. 15, at least one of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation tooth 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D, 56E, and/or 56F includes a firstupshifting facilitation chamfer 58. The first upshifting facilitationchamfer 58 is provided on one of the first axial side S1 and the secondaxial side S2 to facilitate the upshifting operation from the smallersprocket 14 to the bicycle sprocket 12.

In this embodiment, each of the upshifting facilitation teeth 56A, 56B,and 56D includes the first upshifting facilitation chamfer 58. The firstupshifting facilitation chamfer 58 is provided on the first axial sideS1 to facilitate the upshifting operation from the smaller sprocket 14to the bicycle sprocket 12. The first upshifting facilitation chamfer 58is to avoid excessive interference with the bicycle chain BC so as tofacilitate engagement of the bicycle chain BC with one of the upshiftingfacilitation teeth 56A, 56B, and 56D during an upshifting operation.

As seen in FIG. 16, at least one of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation tooth 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D, 56E, and/or 56F includes a secondupshifting facilitation chamfer 60. The second upshifting facilitationchamfer 60 is provided on the other of the first axial side S1 and thesecond axial side S2 to facilitate the upshifting operation from thesmaller sprocket 14 to the bicycle sprocket 12.

In this embodiment, each of the upshifting facilitation teeth 56C and56D includes the second upshifting facilitation chamfer 60. The secondupshifting facilitation chamfer 60 is provided on the second axial sideS2 to facilitate the upshifting operation from the smaller sprocket 14to the bicycle sprocket 12. The second upshifting facilitation chamfer60 is to avoid excessive interference with the bicycle chain BC so as tofacilitate engagement of the bicycle chain BC with one of the upshiftingfacilitation teeth 56C and 56D during the upshifting operation.

The upshifting facilitation teeth 56E and 56F are to further catch thebicycle chain BC after the bicycle chain BC comes into engagement withthe upshifting facilitation teeth 56A to 56D during the upshiftingoperation. In other words, the upshifting facilitation teeth 56E and 56Fare to complete the upshifting operation.

As seen in FIG. 18, the plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 includes adownshifting derailing tooth 50C to first derail the bicycle chain BCfrom the bicycle sprocket 12 during the downshifting operation. In thisembodiment, the plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 includesdownshifting derailing teeth 50C to first derail the bicycle chain BCfrom the bicycle sprocket 12 during the downshifting operation. As seenin FIG. 5, the downshifting derailing teeth 50C are respectivelydisposed in the downshifting facilitation areas 42. The at least onesecond tooth 30 includes the downshifting derailing tooth 50C. In thisembodiment, the plurality of second teeth 30 includes the downshiftingderailing teeth 50C. However, the at least one first tooth 28 caninclude the downshifting derailing tooth 50C. A tooth top of thedownshifting derailing tooth 50C may be offset in the axial direction D2with respect to an axial center of a maximum axial width of thedownshifting derailing tooth 50C toward an opposite side of the smallersprocket 14. This effectively facilitates derailing of the bicycle chainBC from the downshifting derailing tooth 50C during the downshiftingoperation. Thus, it is possible to more certainly complete thedownshifting operation.

As seen in FIG. 18, the plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 includes anupshifting receiving tooth 56C to first receive the bicycle chain BCduring the upshifting operation. In this embodiment, the plurality offirst teeth 28 includes the upshifting receiving teeth 56C. As seen inFIG. 5, the upshifting receiving teeth 56C are disposed in theupshifting facilitation areas 46. The at least one first tooth 28includes the upshifting receiving tooth 56C to first receive the bicyclechain BC during the upshifting operation. In this embodiment, theplurality of first teeth 28 includes the upshifting receiving teeth 56Cto first receive the bicycle chain BC during the upshifting operation.However, the at least one second tooth 30 can include the upshiftingreceiving tooth 56C. A tooth top of the upshifting receiving tooth 56Cmay be offset in the axial direction D2 with respect to an axial centerof a maximum axial width of the upshifting receiving tooth 56C towardthe smaller sprocket 14. This effectively facilitates derailing of thebicycle chain BC from the upshifting receiving tooth 56C during theupshifting operation. Thus, it is possible to more certainly completethe upshifting operation.

As seen in FIG. 18, the smaller sprocket 14 includes a downshiftingreceiving tooth 66 to first receive the bicycle chain BC during thedownshifting operation. The plurality of additional chain-driving teeth36 includes the downshifting receiving teeth 66 to first receive thebicycle chain BC during the downshifting operation. As seen in FIG. 8,the at least one first additional tooth 38 includes the downshiftingreceiving tooth 66. The plurality of first additional teeth 38 includesthe downshifting receiving teeth 66.

As seen in FIG. 18, the downshifting facilitation projection 44 isdisposed at a position such that the downshifting receiving tooth 66 isspaced apart from the downshifting derailing tooth 50C by an unevennumber of chain pitch CP of the bicycle chain BC on a chain line CL ofthe bicycle chain BC during the downshifting operation. The unevennumber of chain pitch CP is equal to or smaller than nine. The unevennumber of chain pitch CP is equal to or smaller than seven. The unevennumber of chain pitch CP is equal to or smaller than five. In thisembodiment, the uneven number of chain pitch CP is seven. Specifically,the uneven number of chain pitch CP is approximately five. However, theuneven number of chain pitch CP is not limited to this embodiment. Thechain line CL is defined by connecting pivot centers of the bicyclechain BC.

As seen in FIGS. 14 to 16, the at least one second tooth 30 includes adriving facilitation chamfer 30C. In this embodiment, at least one ofthe second teeth 30 that are disposed outside the at least oneupshifting facilitation area 46 and the at least one downshiftingfacilitation area 42 includes the driving facilitation chamfer 30C.Specifically, each of the second teeth 30 that are disposed outside theat least one upshifting facilitation area 46 and the at least onedownshifting facilitation area 42 includes the driving facilitationchamfer 30C. However, at least one of the second teeth 30 that areinside at least one of the at least one upshifting facilitation area 46and the at least one downshifting facilitation area 42 can include thedriving facilitation chamfer 30C. In this embodiment, two of the secondteeth 30 that are inside at least one of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation area 46 and the at least one downshifting facilitation area42 can include the driving facilitation chamfer 30C. As seen in FIG. 8,the at least one second additional tooth 40 does not include the drivingfacilitation chamfer 30C.

The driving facilitation chamfer 30C is provided at a radially outermosttooth-tip 30D of the second tooth 30. The second tooth 30 includes arotational upstream edge 30E and a rotational downstream edge 30F. Therotational upstream edge 30E is disposed to face an upstream side in therotational driving direction D11. The rotational downstream edge 30F isdisposed to face a downstream side in the rotational driving directionD11. The rotational upstream edge 30E is disposed on an upstream side ofthe rotational downstream edge 30F in the rotational driving directionD11. The driving facilitation chamfer 30C is disposed between therotational upstream edge 30E and the radially outermost tooth-tip 30D ofthe second tooth 30. The driving facilitation chamfer 30C includes aninclined surface extending from the radially outermost tooth-tip 30Dtoward the rotational upstream edge 30E. In this embodiment, the drivingfacilitation chamfer 30C is disposed only at the rotational upstreamedge 30E but is not disposed at the rotational downstream edge 30F.However, the driving facilitation chamfer 30C can be disposed betweenthe rotational downstream edge 30F and the radially outermost tooth-tip30D in addition to the driving facilitation chamfer 30C of theembodiment. The driving facilitation chamfer 30C can be omitted from thesecond tooth 30 if needed and/or desired.

The bicycle chain BC is inclined toward the smaller sprocket 14 by thefront derailleur (not shown) during the downshifting operation.Therefore, in the downshifting operation, the bicycle chain BC is easyto interfere with the second tooth 30 and unintentionally derailed fromthe bicycle sprocket 12. However, the driving facilitation chamfer 30Ccan reduce interference between the bicycle chain BC and the radiallyoutermost tooth-tip 30D of the second tooth 30 (e.g., a radially outercorner of the second tooth 30) during the downshifting operation.Therefore, the second tooth 30 with the driving facilitation chamfer 30Ccan be easy to be received in the bicycle chain BC during thedownshifting operation. This can reduce the unintentionally derailing ofthe bicycle chain BC from the bicycle sprocket 12 during thedownshifting operation except for the downshifting facilitation area.

The downshifting operation of the bicycle sprocket assembly 10 will bedescribed below referring to FIGS. 17 and 18.

As seen in FIG. 17, the bicycle chain BC is shifted from the bicyclesprocket 12 toward the smaller sprocket 14 by the front derailleur (notshown) during the downshifting operation. The second downshiftingfacilitation chamfer 54 of the downshifting facilitation tooth 50A helpsthe inner link plates BC1A to be inclined toward the smaller sprocket 14relative to the axial direction D2. The second downshifting facilitationchamfer 54 of the downshifting facilitation tooth 50B helps the outerlink plates BC2B to be inclined toward the smaller sprocket 14 relativeto the axial direction D2.

Furthermore, the first downshifting facilitation chamfer 52 of thedownshifting facilitation tooth 50C introduces the inner link plate BC1Cto a space closer to the smaller sprocket 14 than the downshiftingfacilitation tooth 50C in the axial direction D2. Thus, the downshiftingfacilitation tooth 50C is disposed outside the inner link space BC11Cduring the downshifting operation. The bicycle chain BC is not engagedwith the downshifting facilitation teeth 50C and 50D and otherchain-driving teeth 26 disposed on the downstream side of thedownshifting facilitation tooth 50D. Namely, the downshiftingfacilitation teeth 50C is a tooth to first release the bicycle chain BCfrom the bicycle sprocket 12 among the chain-driving teeth 26 during thedownshifting operation.

As seen in FIG. 17, an inclined angle of the bicycle chain BC is limitedwithin a small range relative to the bicycle sprocket 12 when viewed ina radial direction of the bicycle sprocket 12.

As seen in FIG. 18, in order to smoothen the downshifting operation fromthe bicycle sprocket 12 to the smaller sprocket 14, it is preferable toset a chain-downshifting distance defined between the bicycle sprocketand the smaller sprocket as appropriate.

As seen in FIG. 18, in the bicycle sprocket assembly 10, one of theouter link plates BC2D is engaged with the downshifting facilitationprojection 44 in a state where the downshifting facilitation tooth 50Cis not engaged with the bicycle chain BC. This adjusts (lengthens inthis embodiment) a chain-downshifting distance RT1 (FIG. 19) of thebicycle chain BC defined from the bicycle sprocket 12 to the smallersprocket 14 so that the bicycle chain BC engages with a tooth of thesmaller sprocket 14 without undesirably riding on a crest of the toothof the smaller sprocket 14 in comparison with a chain-downshiftingdistance RT2 (FIG. 19) in a case where the bicycle sprocket 12 does notinclude the downshifting facilitation projection 44. Accordingly, it ispossible to smoothen the downshifting operation from the bicyclesprocket 12 to the smaller sprocket 14.

The bicycle sprocket assembly 10 and the bicycle sprocket 12 include thefollowing features.

(1) With the bicycle sprocket 12, the at least one downshiftingfacilitation projection 44 is disposed in the at least one downshiftingfacilitation area 42 to engage with the bicycle chain BC when thebicycle chain BC shifts from the bicycle sprocket 12 toward the smallersprocket 14. Accordingly, the at least one downshifting facilitationprojection 44 appropriately adjusts the chain-downshifting distance RT1of the bicycle chain BC defined from the bicycle sprocket 12 to thesmaller sprocket 14 during the downshifting operation. Thus, it ispossible to smoothen the downshifting operation.

(2) The first chain engaging width W1 is larger than the inner linkspace BC11 defined between the opposed pair of inner link plates BC1 ofthe bicycle chain BC and is smaller than an outer link space BC21defined between an opposed pair of outer link plates BC2 of the bicyclechain BC. The second chain engaging width W2 is smaller than the innerlink space BC11. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the bicyclechain from readily disengaging from the bicycle sprocket 12 except forthe upshifting and downshifting operations.

(3) The at least one upshifting facilitation projection 48 is disposedin the at least one upshifting facilitation area 46 to engage with thebicycle chain BC when the bicycle chain BC shifts from the smallersprocket 14 toward the bicycle sprocket 12. The at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection 48 lifts the bicycle chain BC from the smallersprocket 14 to the bicycle sprocket 12 during the upshifting operation.This smoothens the upshifting operation.

(4) The at least one downshifting facilitation area 42 at least partlyoverlaps with the at least one upshifting facilitation area 46 in acircumferential direction D1 defined about the rotational center axisA1. Accordingly, it is possible to make a total area of the at least onedownshifting facilitation area 42 and the at least one upshiftingfacilitation area 46 smaller in the circumferential direction so thatboth of the downshifting facilitation area 42 and the upshiftingfacilitation area 46 can be disposed at an appropriate location.

(5) Since the plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 includes three teethdisposed in the first area AR1, it is possible to make shifting of thebicycle chain BC smoother.

(6) The first axial length L1 is different from the second axial lengthL2. Accordingly, it is possible to separately set the first axial lengthL1 and the second axial length L2 to smoothly shift the bicycle chain BCbetween the bicycle sprocket 12 and the smaller sprocket 14.

(7) The first axial length L1 is smaller than the second axial lengthL2. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve both of a certainly smoothdownshifting operation and a certainly smooth upshifting operation.

(8) The first axial length L1 is equal to or smaller than 1.9 mm. Thesecond axial length L2 is equal to or larger than 2.0 mm. Accordingly,it is possible to achieve both of a certainly smooth downshiftingoperation and a certainly smooth upshifting operation.

(9) The second axial length (the axial length) L2 is equal to or largerthan 2.0 mm. Accordingly, it is possible to certainly bring the at leastone upshifting facilitation projection 48 into engagement with thebicycle chain BC when the bicycle chain BC shifts from the smallersprocket 14 toward the bicycle sprocket 12.

(10) The second axial length (the axial length) L2 is equal to or largerthan 2.5 mm. Accordingly, it is possible to more certainly bring the atleast one upshifting facilitation projection 48 into engagement with thebicycle chain BC when the bicycle chain BC shifts from the smallersprocket 14 toward the bicycle sprocket 12.

(11) The second axial length (the axial length) L2 is equal to or largerthan 3.0 mm. Accordingly, it is possible to more certainly bring the atleast one upshifting facilitation projection 48 into engagement with thebicycle chain BC when the bicycle chain BC shifts from the smallersprocket 14 toward the bicycle sprocket 12.

(12) The second axial length (the axial length) L2 is equal to or largerthan 3.5 mm. Accordingly, it is possible to more certainly bring the atleast one upshifting facilitation projection 48 into engagement with thebicycle chain BC when the bicycle chain BC shifts from the smallersprocket 14 toward the bicycle sprocket 12.

(13) The second axial length (the axial length) L2 is equal to orsmaller than 4.0 mm. Accordingly, it is possible to more certainly bringthe at least one upshifting facilitation projection 48 into engagementwith the bicycle chain BC when the bicycle chain BC shifts from thesmaller sprocket 14 toward the bicycle sprocket 12.

(14) The plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 includes at least onedownshifting facilitation tooth 50 provided in the at least onedownshifting facilitation area 42. Accordingly, it is possible to makeshifting of the bicycle chain BC smoother.

(15) At least one of the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 50includes the first downshifting facilitation chamfer 52 provided on oneof the first axial side S1 and the second axial side S2 to facilitatethe downshifting operation from the bicycle sprocket 12 to the smallersprocket 14. Accordingly, the first downshifting facilitation chamfer 52reduces unnecessary interference occurring between the at least onedownshifting facilitation tooth 50 and the bicycle chain BC when thebicycle chain BC shifts from the bicycle sprocket 12 toward the smallersprocket 14.

(16) At least one of the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 50includes the second downshifting facilitation chamfer 54 provided on theother of the first axial side S1 and the second axial side S2 tofacilitate the downshifting operation from the bicycle sprocket 12 tothe smaller sprocket 14. Accordingly, the second downshiftingfacilitation chamfer 54 reduces unnecessary interference occurringbetween the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 50 and thebicycle chain BC when the bicycle chain BC shifts from the bicyclesprocket 12 toward the smaller sprocket 14.

(17) The at least one downshifting facilitation area 42 is provided ator close to a dead center DC1 of the bicycle sprocket 12. Accordingly,it is possible to reduce a pedaling force applied from the bicycle chainBC to the at least one downshifting facilitation area 42. This allowsthe bicycle chain BC to smoothly disengage from the bicycle sprocket 12.

(18) The at least one downshifting facilitation area 42 is provided onan upstream side relative to the dead center DC1 in a rotational drivingdirection D11 of the bicycle sprocket 12. Accordingly, it is possible toreduce a pedaling force applied from the bicycle chain BC to the atleast one downshifting facilitation area 42. This allows the bicyclechain BC to smoothly disengage from the bicycle sprocket 12.

(19) With bicycle sprocket assembly 10, the bicycle sprocket assembly 10comprises the bicycle sprocket 12, the chain-downshifting distance RT1of the bicycle chain BC defined from the bicycle sprocket 12 to thesmaller sprocket 14 during the downshifting operation is appropriatelyset by the at least one downshifting facilitation projection 44. Thus,it is possible to smoothen the downshifting operation.

(20) The at least one upshifting facilitation projection 48 is providedon the first axial side S1 and having the axial length L2 defined in theaxial direction D2. The axial length L2 of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection 48 is larger than the axial distance L3 definedbetween the first axial end 28A and the second axial end 30A in theaxial direction D2 on the first axial side S1. Thus, the at least oneupshifting facilitation projection 48 lifts the bicycle chain BC fromthe smaller sprocket 14 to the bicycle sprocket 12 during the upshiftingoperation. This smoothens the upshifting operation. Furthermore, both ofthe at least one first tooth and the at least one second tooth supportthe bicycle chain so as to prevent the bicycle chain BC from beingunintentionally removed from the bicycle sprocket 12. Accordingly, it ispossible to smoothen the upshifting operation with preventing thebicycle chain BC from being unintentionally removed from the bicyclesprocket 12.

(21) The at least one downshifting facilitation projection 44 has thefirst axial length L1 defined in the axial direction D2 parallel to therotational center axis A1. The at least one upshifting facilitationprojection 48 has the second axial length L2 defined in the axialdirection D2. The first axial length L1 is different from the secondaxial length L2. Accordingly, it is possible to separately set the firstaxial length L1 and the second axial length L2 to smoothly shift thebicycle chain BC between the bicycle sprocket 12 and the smallersprocket 14.

(22) The first axial length L1 is smaller than the second axial lengthL2. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve both of a certainly smoothdownshifting operation and a certainly smooth upshifting operation.

(23) The at least one downshifting facilitation area 42 defines thefirst circumferential region CR1 about the rotational center axis A1.The at least one upshifting facilitation area 46 defines the secondcircumferential region CR2 about the rotational center axis A1. Thefirst circumferential region CR1 and the second circumferential regionCR2 are provided to at least partly overlap with each other in thecircumferential direction D1 defined about the rotational center axisA1. Accordingly, it is possible to make a total area of the at least onedownshifting facilitation area 42 and the at least one upshiftingfacilitation area 46 smaller in the circumferential direction so thatboth of the downshifting facilitation area 42 and the upshiftingfacilitation area 46 can be disposed at an appropriate location sincethe first circumferential region CR1 and the second circumferentialregion CR2 being provided to at least partly overlap with each other ina circumferential direction D1 defined about the rotational center axisA1. Furthermore, both of the at least one first tooth 28 and the atleast one second tooth 30 can prevent the bicycle chain BC from beingunintentionally removed from the bicycle sprocket 12. Accordingly, it ispossible to make the total area smaller with preventing the bicyclechain BC from being unintentionally removed from the bicycle sprocket12.

(24) One of the first circumferential region CR1 and the secondcircumferential region CR2 is entirely provided within the other of thefirst circumferential region CR1 and the second circumferential regionCR2. Accordingly, it is possible to make a total area of the at leastone downshifting facilitation area 42 and the at least one upshiftingfacilitation area 46 much smaller in the circumferential direction sothat both of the downshifting facilitation area 42 and the upshiftingfacilitation area 46 can be disposed at an appropriate location.

(25) The first circumferential region CR1 is entirely provided withinthe second circumferential region CR2. Accordingly, it is possible tomake a total area of the at least one downshifting facilitation area 42and the at least one upshifting facilitation area 46 much smaller in thecircumferential direction so that both of the downshifting facilitationarea 42 and the upshifting facilitation area 46 can be disposed at anappropriate location.

(26) The first circumferential region CR1 is provided at or close to thedead center DC1 or DC2 of the bicycle sprocket 12. Accordingly, it ispossible to reduce a pedaling force applied from the bicycle chain BC tothe at least one downshifting facilitation area 42. This allows thebicycle chain BC to smoothly disengage from the bicycle sprocket 12.

(27) The downshifting facilitation projection 44 is disposed at aposition such that the downshifting receiving tooth 66 is spaced apartfrom the downshifting derailing tooth 50C by an uneven number of chainpitch CP of the bicycle chain BC on the chain line CL of the bicyclechain BC during the downshifting operation. Accordingly, it is possibleto smoothly shift the bicycle chain BC from the bicycle sprocket 12 tothe smaller sprocket 14. Furthermore, it is possible to derail thebicycle chain BC from the second tooth 30 and to receive the bicyclechain BC with the first tooth 28. This can make the derailing of thebicycle chain BC smooth and the shifting of the bicycle chain BC stable.

(28) Since the uneven number of chain pitch CP is equal to or smallerthan nine, it is possible more smoothly shift the bicycle chain BC fromthe bicycle sprocket 12 to the smaller sprocket 14.

(29) Since the uneven number of chain pitch CP is equal to or smallerthan seven, it is possible to more smoothly shift the bicycle chain BCfrom the bicycle sprocket 12 to the smaller sprocket 14.

(30) Since the uneven number of chain pitch CP is equal to or smallerthan five, it is possible to more smoothly shift the bicycle chain BCfrom the bicycle sprocket 12 to the smaller sprocket 14.

(31) The first chain engaging width W1 is larger than the inner linkspace defined between the opposed pair of inner link plates BC1 of thebicycle chain BC and is smaller than the outer link space definedbetween the opposed pair of outer link plates BC2 of the bicycle chainBC. The second chain engaging width W2 is smaller than the inner linkspace. The third chain engaging width W3 is larger than the inner linkspace defined between the opposed pair of inner link plates BC1 of thebicycle chain BC and is smaller than the outer link space definedbetween the opposed pair of outer link plates BC2 of the bicycle chainBC. The fourth chain engaging width W4 is smaller than the inner linkspace. Accordingly, it is possible to improve chain-holding performanceof the smaller sprocket 14.

(32) Since the at least one second tooth 30 includes the downshiftingderailing tooth 50C, it is possible to smoothly derail the bicycle chainBC from the bicycle sprocket 12.

(33) The at least one first tooth 28 includes the upshifting receivingtooth 56C to first receive the bicycle chain BC during the upshiftingoperation. The at least one first additional tooth 38 includes thedownshifting receiving tooth 66. Accordingly, it is possible to smoothlyderail the bicycle chain BC from the smaller sprocket 14 and to stablycomplete the upshifting operation since the at least one first tooth 28first receives the bicycle chain BC.

(34) The total number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 is 36,and the total number of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth36 is 24. Accordingly, it is possible to provide one of combinationswhich are suitable for the certain and quick downshifting operationfacilitated by the downshifting facilitation projection 44.

(35) The total number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 is 40,and the total number of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth36 is 28. Accordingly, it is possible to provide one of combinationswhich are suitable for the certain and quick downshifting operationfacilitated by the downshifting facilitation projection 44.

(36) The total number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 26 is 52,and the total number of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth36 is 32. Accordingly, it is possible to provide one of combinationswhich are suitable for the certain and quick downshifting operationfacilitated by the downshifting facilitation projection 44.

Second Embodiment

A bicycle sprocket assembly 210 comprising a bicycle sprocket 212 inaccordance with a second embodiment will be described below referring toFIGS. 20 to 35. The bicycle sprocket assembly 210 has substantially thesame structures as those of the bicycle sprocket assembly 10 except forthe bicycle sprocket 12 and the smaller sprocket 14. Thus, elementshaving substantially the same function as those in the first embodimentwill be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/orillustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 20 and 21, the bicycle sprocket assembly 210 comprisesthe bicycle sprocket 212 and a smaller sprocket 214. The bicyclesprocket 212 has the rotational center axis A1. The bicycle sprocket 212is rotatable about the rotational center axis A1 in the rotationaldriving direction D11 during pedaling. The bicycle sprocket assembly 210is rotatable about the rotational center axis A1.

As seen in FIGS. 22 and 23, the smaller sprocket 214 is adjacent to thebicycle sprocket 212 without another sprocket between the smallersprocket 214 and the bicycle sprocket 212. The smaller sprocket 214 isadjacent to the bicycle sprocket 212 in the axial direction D2 parallelto the rotational center axis A1 without another sprocket between thesmaller sprocket 214 and the bicycle sprocket 212.

As seen in FIG. 24, the bicycle sprocket 212 comprises the sprocket body22 and a chain engagement structure 224. The chain engagement structure224 is arranged on the radially outer periphery of the sprocket body 22.The chain engagement structure 224 has substantially the same structureas that of the chain engagement structure 24 of the first embodiment. Inthis embodiment, the chain engagement structure 224 includes a pluralityof chain-driving teeth 226 to engage with the bicycle chain BC totransmit the rotational driving force F1 to the bicycle chain BC.

The plurality of chain-driving teeth 226 includes at least one firsttooth 228 and at least one second tooth 230. In this embodiment, theplurality of chain-driving teeth 226 includes a plurality of first teeth228 and a plurality of second teeth 230. Preferably, the first teeth 228and the second teeth 230 are alternately arranged in the circumferentialdirection D1 of the bicycle sprocket 212.

As seen in FIG. 25, the at least one first tooth 228 has a first chainengaging width W21. The first chain engaging width W21 is defined in theaxial direction D2. Each of the first teeth 228 has the first chainengaging width W21. As seen in FIG. 26, the at least one second tooth230 has a second chain engaging width W22. The second chain engagingwidth W22 is defined in the axial direction D2. Each of the second teeth230 has the second chain engaging width W22. As seen in FIGS. 25 and 26,the first chain engaging width W21 is larger than the inner link spaceBC11 defined between the opposed pair of inner link plates BC1 of thebicycle chain BC and is smaller than the outer link space BC21 definedbetween the opposed pair of outer link plates BC2 of the bicycle chainBC. The second chain engaging width W22 is smaller than the inner linkspace BC11. However, the first chain engaging width W21 can be smallerthan the inner link space BC11. While the first chain engaging width W21is different from the second chain engaging width W22 in thisembodiment, the first chain engaging width W21 can be equal to thesecond chain engaging width W22.

As seen in FIG. 25, the at least one first tooth 228 includes a firstaxial end 228A and a first opposite axial end 228B opposite to the firstaxial end 228A in the axial direction D2. The first axial end 228A andthe first opposite axial end 228B are contactable with the outer linkplate BC2 of the bicycle chain BC. The first chain engaging width W21 isdefined between the first axial end 228A and the first opposite axialend 228B in the axial direction D2. In this embodiment, each of thefirst teeth 228 includes the first axial end 228A and the first oppositeaxial end 228B opposite to the first axial end 228A in the axialdirection D2. In each of the first teeth 228, the first chain engagingwidth W21 is defined between the first axial end 228A and the firstopposite axial end 228B in the axial direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 26, the at least one second tooth 230 includes a secondaxial end 230A and a second opposite axial end 230B opposite to thesecond axial end 230A in the axial direction D2. The second axial end230A and the second opposite axial end 230B are contactable with theinner link plate BC1 of the bicycle chain BC. The second chain engagingwidth W22 is defined between the second axial end 230A and the secondopposite axial end 230B in the axial direction D2. In this embodiment,each of the second teeth 230 includes the second axial end 230A and thesecond opposite axial end 230B opposite to the second axial end 230A inthe axial direction D2. In each of the second teeth 230, the secondchain engaging width W22 is defined between the second axial end 230Aand the second opposite axial end 230B in the axial direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 27, the smaller sprocket 214 includes the additionalsprocket body 32 and an additional chain engagement structure 234. Theadditional chain engagement structure 234 is arranged on the radiallyouter periphery of the additional sprocket body 32. The additional chainengagement structure 234 has substantially the same structure as that ofthe additional chain engagement structure 34 of the first embodiment.The additional chain engagement structure 234 includes a plurality ofadditional chain-driving teeth 236 to engage with the bicycle chain BCto transmit the rotational driving force F1 to the bicycle chain BC. Theadditional chain-driving teeth 236 are arranged at a constant pitch inthe circumferential direction D1.

The plurality of additional chain-driving teeth 236 includes at leastone first additional tooth 238 and at least one second additional tooth240. In this embodiment, the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth236 includes a plurality of first additional teeth 238 and a pluralityof second additional teeth 240. Preferably, the first additional teeth238 and the second additional teeth 240 are alternately arranged in thecircumferential direction D1 defined about the rotational center axisA1. A total number of the additional chain-driving teeth 236 of thesmaller sprocket 214 is less than a total number of the chain-drivingteeth 226 of the bicycle sprocket 212. In this embodiment, the totalnumber of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 226 is 36, and the totalnumber of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth 236 is 26.However, the combination of the total number of the chain-driving teeth226 and the total number of the additional chain-driving teeth 236 isnot limited to this embodiment. For example, the total number of theplurality of chain-driving teeth 226 can be 38, and the total number ofthe plurality of additional chain-driving teeth 236 can be 28. The totalnumber of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 226 can be 40, and thetotal number of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth 236 canbe 30. The total number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 226 canbe 48, and the total number of the plurality of additional chain-drivingteeth 236 can be 36.

As seen in FIG. 28, the at least one first additional tooth 238 has athird chain engaging width W23. The third chain engaging width W23 isdefined in the axial direction D2. Each of the first additional teeth238 has the third chain engaging width W23. As seen in FIG. 29, the atleast one second additional tooth 240 has a fourth chain engaging widthW24. The fourth chain engaging width W24 is defined in the axialdirection D2. Each of the second additional teeth 240 has the fourthchain engaging width W24. As seen in FIGS. 28 and 29, the third chainengaging width W23 is larger than the inner link space BC11 definedbetween the opposed pair of inner link plates BC1 of the bicycle chainBC and is smaller than the outer link space BC21 defined between theopposed pair of outer link plates BC2 of the bicycle chain BC. Thefourth chain engaging width W24 is smaller than the inner link spaceBC11. However, the fourth chain engaging width W24 can be equal to theinner link space BC11.

As seen in FIG. 30, the plurality of chain-driving teeth 226 includes atleast one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C and atleast one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or 250C. Theat least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or 250C isadjacent to the at least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B,and/or 256C on a downstream side of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C in a rotational drivingdirection of the bicycle sprocket 212. The at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or 250C is adjacent to the at leastone upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C withoutanother tooth between the at least one upshifting facilitation tooth256A, 256B, and/or 256C and the at least one downshifting facilitationtooth 250A, 250B, and/or 250C. The at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or 250C is disposed on the downstreamside of the at least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B,and/or 256C. The at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A,250B, and/or 250C is adjacent to the at least one upshiftingfacilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C on a downstream side of theat least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256Cwithout another tooth between the at least one upshifting facilitationtooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C and the at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or 250C.

In this embodiment, the plurality of chain-driving teeth 226 includes aplurality of upshifting facilitation teeth 256A, 256B, and 256C and aplurality of downshifting facilitation teeth 250A, 250B, and 250C. Thedownshifting facilitation tooth 250C is adjacent to the upshiftingfacilitation tooth 256A on the downstream side of the upshiftingfacilitation tooth 256A. The downshifting facilitation tooth 250C isadjacent to the upshifting facilitation tooth 256A without another toothbetween the upshifting facilitation tooth 256A and the downshiftingfacilitation tooth 250C. The downshifting facilitation tooth 250C isdisposed on the downstream side of the upshifting facilitation tooth256A closest to the downshifting facilitation tooth 250C in thecircumferential direction D1 among the plurality of upshiftingfacilitation teeth 256A, 256B, and 256C. The downshifting facilitationtooth 250C is adjacent to the upshifting facilitation tooth 256A on thedownstream side of the upshifting facilitation tooth 256A withoutanother tooth between the upshifting facilitation tooth 256A and thedownshifting facilitation tooth 250C.

In this embodiment, the upshifting facilitation teeth 256A, 256B, and256C are continuously arranged in the circumferential direction D1, andthe downshifting facilitation teeth 250A, 250B, and 250C arecontinuously arranged in the circumferential direction D1. One of theupshifting facilitation teeth 256A, 256B, and 256C is adjacent to one ofthe downshifting facilitation teeth 250A, 250B, and 250C without anothertooth between the one of the upshifting facilitation teeth 256A, 256B,and 256C and the one of the downshifting facilitation teeth 250A, 250B,and 250C in the circumferential direction D1. The one of thedownshifting facilitation teeth 250A, 250B, and 250C is adjacent to theone of the upshifting facilitation teeth 256A, 256B, and 256C on adownstream side of the one of the upshifting facilitation teeth 256A,256B, and 256C without another tooth between the one of the upshiftingfacilitation teeth 256A, 256B, and 256C and the one of the downshiftingfacilitation teeth 250A, 250B, and 250C in the circumferential directionD1.

As seen in FIGS. 24 and 30, the chain engagement structure 224 includesa shifting facilitation area 257 to facilitate a shifting operationbetween the bicycle sprocket 212 and the smaller sprocket 214. The chainengagement structure 224 includes the shifting facilitation area 257 inwhich the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B,and/or 250C and the at least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A,256B, and/or 256C are disposed. In this embodiment, the chain engagementstructure 224 includes a plurality of shifting facilitation areas 257 inwhich the plurality of downshifting facilitation teeth 250A to 250C andthe plurality of upshifting facilitation teeth 256A to 256C aredisposed. In the present application, the term “area” means a sectordefined in an angular range defined from a specific tooth to anotherspecific tooth about the rotational center axis A1.

The shifting facilitation area 257 includes a downshifting facilitationarea 257A to facilitate the downshifting operation from the bicyclesprocket 212 to the smaller sprocket 214. The at least one downshiftingfacilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or 250C is disposed in thedownshifting facilitation area 257A. In this embodiment, the pluralityof downshifting facilitation teeth 250A to 250C are disposed in thedownshifting facilitation area 257A.

The shifting facilitation area 257 includes an upshifting facilitationarea 257B to facilitate the upshifting operation from the smallersprocket 214 to the bicycle sprocket 212. The at least one upshiftingfacilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C is disposed in the upshiftingfacilitation area 257B. In this embodiment, the upshifting facilitationteeth 256A to 256C are disposed in the upshifting facilitation area257B. The upshifting facilitation area 257B is adjacent to thedownshifting facilitation area 257A in the circumferential direction D1.The downshifting facilitation area 257A is disposed on the downstreamside of the upshifting facilitation area 257B in the circumferentialdirection D1.

As seen in FIGS. 24 and 30, the bicycle sprocket 212 comprises ashifting facilitation projection 244 to facilitate an upshiftingoperation of the bicycle chain BC and to facilitate a downshiftingoperation of the bicycle chain BC. Namely, the shifting facilitationprojection 244 has the same functions as the functions of thedownshifting and upshifting facilitation projections 44 and 48 describedin the first embodiment. In other words, the shifting facilitationprojection 244 is an upshifting facilitation projection that isintegrally formed with the down shifting facilitation projection. Inthis embodiment, the chain engagement structure 224 includes a pluralityof shifting facilitation projections 244 respectively disposed in theshifting facilitation areas 257 to engage with the bicycle chain BC whenthe bicycle chain BC shifts from the bicycle sprocket 212 toward thesmaller sprocket 214. The shifting facilitation projections 244 aresecured to the sprocket body 22 via a fastening structure such as arivet. The shifting facilitation projection 244 is disposed in theshifting facilitation area 257. The shifting facilitation projection 244is disposed in the shifting facilitation area 257 to engage with theouter link plate BC2 of the bicycle chain BC during each of theupshifting operation and the downshifting operation.

The shifting facilitation projection 244 is disposed closer to one ofthe first teeth 228 than to the second teeth 230. In this embodiment,the upshifting facilitation tooth 256A is the first tooth 228 closest tothe shifting facilitation projection 244 among the first teeth 228.Further, in this embodiment, the first tooth 228 that is closest to theshifting facilitation projection 244 is adjacent to the downshiftingfacilitation tooth 250C. However, the shifting facilitation projection244 can be disposed closer to one of the second teeth 230 than to thefirst teeth 228. While the shifting facilitation projections 244 areseparate members from the chain-driving teeth 26 in this embodiment, atleast one of the shifting facilitation projections 244 can be integrallyprovided with the chain-driving teeth 226 and/or the sprocket body 22 asa one-piece unitary member.

As seen in FIG. 30, the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth250A, 250B, and/or 250C includes a downshifting derailing tooth to firstderail the bicycle chain BC from the bicycle sprocket 212 during thedownshifting operation. In this embodiment, the plurality ofdownshifting facilitation teeth 250A, 250B, and 250C includes adownshifting derailing tooth 250C to first derail the bicycle chain BCfrom the bicycle sprocket 212 during the downshifting operation. As seenin FIG. 24, the downshifting derailing tooth 250C is disposed in theshifting facilitation area 257. The at least one second tooth 230includes the downshifting derailing tooth 250C. In this embodiment, theplurality of second teeth 230 includes the downshifting derailing tooth250C. In this embodiment, the downshifting derailing tooth 250C isadjacent to the first tooth 228 (the upshifting facilitation tooth 256A)that is closest to the shifting facilitation projection 244 on thedownstream side of the first tooth 228.

As seen in FIGS. 30 to 32, the at least one downshifting facilitationtooth 250A, 250B, and/or 250C includes at least one chamfered toothdisposed on the downstream side of the downshifting derailing tooth 250Cin the rotational driving direction D11 of the bicycle sprocket 212. Inthis embodiment, the plurality of downshifting facilitation teeth 250A,250B, and 250C includes a plurality of chamfered teeth 250A and 250Bdisposed on the downstream side of the downshifting derailing tooth 250Cin the rotational driving direction D11 of the bicycle sprocket 212. Theplurality of chamfered teeth 250A and 250B is disposed to be adjacent toeach other in the circumferential direction of the rotational centeraxis A1.

As seen in FIG. 32, the at least one chamfered tooth 250A and/or 250Bincludes a downshifting facilitation chamfer 258 disposed on an oppositeside of the shifting facilitation projection 244 in the axial directionD2 parallel to the rotational center axis A1. The at least one chamferedtooth 250A and/or 250B is adjacent to the downshifting derailing tooth250C on the downstream side of the downshifting derailing tooth 250C inthe rotational driving direction D11 without another tooth between theat least one chamfered tooth 250A and/or 250B and the downshiftingderailing tooth 250C. In this embodiment, each of the plurality ofchamfered teeth 250A and 250B includes a downshifting facilitationchamfer 258 disposed on the opposite side of the shifting facilitationprojection 244 in the axial direction D2 parallel to the rotationalcenter axis A1. The chamfered tooth 250B is adjacent to the downshiftingderailing tooth 250C on the downstream side of the downshiftingderailing tooth 250C in the rotational driving direction D11 withoutanother tooth between the at least one chamfered tooth 250B and thedownshifting derailing tooth 250C. The downshifting facilitation chamfer258 is disposed on each of the chamfered teeth 250A and 250B to shiftthe bicycle chain BC toward the smaller sprocket 214 during thedownshifting operation. The downshifting facilitation chamfer 258 is soarranged that an axial width of each of the chamfered teeth 250A and250B gradually decreases from the downstream side to the upstream sidein the rotational driving direction D11. This allows the bicycle chainBC to be easily inclined relative to each of the chamfered teeth 250Aand 250B when the bicycle chain BC is shifted by the front derailleur(not shown) toward an axial inner side (toward the smaller sprocket 214)during the downshifting operation. This can facilitate derailing of thebicycle chain BC from the downshifting derailing tooth 250C.

As seen in FIG. 31, the downshifting derailing tooth 250C includes anadditional downshifting facilitation chamfer 259. The additionaldownshifting facilitation chamfer 259 is disposed on the same side asthe shifting facilitation projection 244 in the axial direction D2. Theadditional downshifting facilitation chamfer 259 is disposed on thedownshifting derailing tooth 250C to reduce interference between thedownshifting derailing tooth 250C and the outer link plate BC2 of thebicycle chain BC during the downshifting operation. The additionaldownshifting facilitation chamfer 259 is so arranged that an axial widthof the downshifting derailing tooth 250C gradually increases from thedownstream side to the upstream side in the rotational driving directionD11.

As seen in FIG. 30, the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth250A, 250B, and/or 250C has a radial length RL1 shorter than a radiallength RL2 of at least one of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 226other than the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B,and/or 250C. In this embodiment, the plurality of downshiftingfacilitation teeth 250A, 250B, and 250C has a radial length RL1 shorterthan a radial length RL2 of the chain-driving tooth 226A of theplurality of chain-driving teeth 226. The chain-driving tooth 226A isdisposed outside the shifting facilitation areas 257.

As seen in FIGS. 30 to 32, the at least one upshifting facilitationtooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C includes an upshifting receiving tooth tofirst receive the bicycle chain BC during the upshifting operation. Inthis embodiment, the plurality of upshifting facilitation teeth 256A,256B, and 256C include an upshifting receiving tooth 256C to firstreceive the bicycle chain BC during the upshifting operation. The atleast one first tooth 228 includes the upshifting receiving tooth 256Cto first receive the bicycle chain BC during the upshifting operation.In this embodiment, the plurality of first tooth 228 includes theupshifting receiving tooth 256C to first receive the bicycle chain BCduring the upshifting operation.

As seen in FIG. 32, the upshifting receiving tooth 256C includes anupshifting facilitation chamfer 260 disposed on the opposite side of theshifting facilitation projection 244 in the axial direction D2. Theupshifting facilitation chamfer 260 is disposed on the upshiftingreceiving tooth 256C to certainly introduce the upshifting receivingtooth 256C into the outer link space BC21 (FIG. 25) of the bicycle chainBC. The upshifting facilitation chamfer 260 is so arranged that an axialwidth of each of the upshifting receiving tooth 256C gradually decreasesfrom the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotational drivingdirection D11.

The at least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256Cincludes at least one upshifting chamfered tooth disposed on thedownstream side of the upshifting receiving tooth 256C in the rotationaldriving direction D11 of the bicycle sprocket 212. In this embodiment,the plurality of upshifting facilitation teeth 256A, 256B, and 256Cincludes an upshifting chamfered tooth 256B disposed on the downstreamside of the upshifting receiving tooth 256C in the rotational drivingdirection D11 of the bicycle sprocket 212. A tooth top of the upshiftingreceiving tooth 256C maybe offset in the axial direction D2 with respectto an axial center of a maximum axial width of the upshifting receivingtooth 256C toward the smaller sprocket 214. This allows the bicyclechain BC to easily approach the upshifting receiving tooth 256C duringthe upshifting operation. Thus, it is possible to more certainlycomplete the upshifting operation.

As seen in FIG. 31, the upshifting chamfered tooth 256B includes anadditional upshifting facilitation chamfer 262 disposed on an oppositeside of the shifting facilitation projection 244 in the axial directionD2. The additional upshifting facilitation chamfer 262 is disposed onthe upshifting chamfered tooth 256A to reduce interference between theupshifting chamfered tooth 256A and the outer link plate BC2 of thebicycle chain BC during the upshifting operation.

As seen in FIG. 30, the shifting facilitation projection 244 is disposedbetween the downshifting derailing tooth 250C and the upshiftingreceiving tooth 256C in the circumferential direction D1 with respect tothe rotational center axis A1. In this embodiment, the downshiftingderailing tooth 250C is closer to the shifting facilitation projection244 than the upshifting receiving tooth 256C in the circumferentialdirection D1.

However, the positional relationship among the shifting facilitationprojection 244, the downshifting derailing tooth 250C, and theupshifting receiving tooth 256C is not limited to this embodiment. Atooth top of the downshifting derailing tooth 250C may be offset in theaxial direction D2 with respect to an axial center of a maximum axialwidth of the downshifting derailing tooth 250C toward an opposite sideof the smaller sprocket 214. This effectively facilitates derailing ofthe bicycle chain BC from the downshifting derailing tooth 250C duringthe downshifting operation. Thus, it is possible to more certainlycomplete the downshifting operation.

As seen in FIGS. 30 to 32, the at least one second tooth 230 includes adriving facilitation chamfer 30C, the radially outermost tooth-tip 30D,the rotational upstream edge 30E and the rotational downstream edge 30Fas well as the second tooth 30 of the first embodiment. The drivingfacilitation chamfer 30C can reduce interference between the bicyclechain BC and the radially outermost tooth-tip 30D of the second tooth230 (e.g., a radially outer corner of the second tooth 230) during thedownshifting operation. This can reduce the unintentionally derailing ofthe bicycle chain BC from the bicycle sprocket 212 during thedownshifting operation except for the downshifting facilitation area.

As seen in FIG. 33, the shifting facilitation projection 244 has anaxial length L21 defined from the axial side surface 230A of the atleast one second tooth 230 in the axial direction D2 parallel to therotational center axis A1. The axial length L21 of the shiftingfacilitation projection 244 is equal to or greater than 1.0 mm. Theaxial length L21 is more preferably is equal to or greater than 1.5 mm.However, the axial length L21 of the shifting facilitation projection244 is not limited to this embodiment.

As seen in FIG. 34, the smaller sprocket 214 includes a downshiftingreceiving tooth 266 to first receive the bicycle chain BC during thedownshifting operation. The at least one first additional tooth 238includes the downshifting receiving tooth 266. In this embodiment, theplurality of first additional tooth 238 includes the downshiftingreceiving tooth 266.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 34, the shifting facilitationprojection 244 is disposed at a position such that the downshiftingreceiving tooth 266 is spaced apart from the downshifting derailingtooth 250C by an uneven number of chain pitch CP of the bicycle chain BCon a chain line CL of the bicycle chain BC during the downshiftingoperation. The uneven number of chain pitch CP is equal to or smallerthan nine. The uneven number of chain pitch CP is equal to or smallerthan seven. The uneven number of chain pitch CP is equal to or smallerthan five. While the uneven number of chain pitch CP is five in thisembodiment, the uneven number of chain pitch CP is not limited to thisembodiment.

As seen in FIG. 35, the upshifting receiving tooth 256C is spaced apartfrom the shifting facilitation projection 244 by an even number of chainpitch CP of the bicycle chain BC. While the even number of chain pitchCP is two in this embodiment, the even number of chain pitch can beother even number.

The shifting facilitation projection 244 has the same functions as thefunctions of the downshifting and upshifting facilitation projections 44and 48 described in the first embodiment. Thus, it will not be describedin detail here for the sake of brevity.

Furthermore, the bicycle sprocket assembly 210 and the bicycle sprocket212 include the following features.

(1) The bicycle sprocket 212 comprises the shifting facilitationprojection 244 to facilitate the upshifting operation of the bicyclechain BC and to facilitate the downshifting operation of the bicyclechain BC. Accordingly, it is possible to smooth the upshifting operationand the downshifting operation using the shifting facilitationprojection 244 provided as a common projection. This can simplify thestructure of the bicycle sprocket 212 with facilitating the upshiftingoperation and the downshifting operation compared with a bicyclesprocket 12 including separate projections to respectively facilitatethe upshifting operation and the downshifting operation.

(2) The plurality of chain-driving teeth 226 includes at least oneupshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C, and at least onedownshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or 250C which isdisposed on a downstream side of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C. Accordingly, it is possibleto effectively facilitate the upshifting operation and the downshiftingoperation using the shifting facilitation projection 244, the at leastone upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C, and the atleast one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or 250C.

(3) The at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or250C is adjacent to the at least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A,256B, and/or 256C on a downstream side of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C without another tooth betweenthe at least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256Cand the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or250C. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a size of an area in whichthe at least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256Cand the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or250C are disposed. Furthermore, it is possible to more certainly bringthe bicycle chain BC into engagement with the shifting facilitationprojection 244 during each of the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation in a case where the shifting facilitationprojection 244 serves as upshifting and downshifting facilitationprojections.

(4) The at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or250C includes the downshifting derailing tooth 250C to first derail thebicycle chain BC from the bicycle sprocket 212 during the downshiftingoperation. Accordingly, it is possible to smoothly derail the bicyclechain BC from the bicycle sprocket 212 during the downshiftingoperation. This effectively facilitates the downshifting operation.

(5) The at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or250C includes at least one chamfered tooth 250A and/or 250B disposed onthe downstream side of the downshifting derailing tooth 250C in therotational driving direction D11 of the bicycle sprocket 212. The atleast one chamfered tooth 250A and/or 250B includes the downshiftingfacilitation chamfer 258 disposed on the opposite side of the shiftingfacilitation projection 244 in the axial direction D2 parallel to therotational center axis A1. Accordingly, it is possible to more smoothlyderail the bicycle chain BC from the bicycle sprocket 212 during thedownshifting operation. This more effectively facilitates thedownshifting operation.

(6) The at least one chamfered tooth 250A and/or 250B is adjacent to thedownshifting derailing tooth 250C on the downstream side of thedownshifting derailing tooth 250C in the rotational driving directionD11 without another tooth between the at least one chamfered tooth andthe downshifting derailing tooth 250C. Accordingly, it is possible tomore smoothly derail the bicycle chain BC from the bicycle sprocket 212during the downshifting operation in a smaller area. This shortens atime period of the downshifting operation.

(7) The at least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or256C includes the upshifting receiving tooth 256C to first receive thebicycle chain BC during the upshifting operation. Accordingly, it ispossible to more smoothly receive the bicycle chain BC during theupshifting operation.

(8) The upshifting receiving tooth 256C is spaced apart from theshifting facilitation projection 244 by the even number of chain pitchCP of the bicycle chain BC. Accordingly, it is possible to more smoothlyreceive the bicycle chain BC lifted by the shifting facilitationprojection 244 during the upshifting operation. Furthermore, it ispossible to certainly bring the opposed pair of outer link plates BC2 ofthe bicycle chain BC into engagement with a specific tooth (the at leastone first tooth 228).

(9) The at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or250C includes the downshifting derailing tooth 250C to first derail thebicycle chain BC from the bicycle sprocket 212 during the downshiftingoperation. The at least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B,and/or 256C includes the upshifting receiving tooth 256C to firstreceive the bicycle chain BC during the upshifting operation. Theshifting facilitation projection 244 is disposed between thedownshifting derailing tooth 250C and the upshifting receiving tooth256C in the circumferential direction D1 with respect to the rotationalcenter axis A1. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively facilitatethe upshifting operation and the downshifting operation using theshifting facilitation projection 244, the downshifting derailing tooth250C, and the upshifting receiving tooth 256C.

(10) The chain engagement structure 224 includes the shiftingfacilitation area 257 in which the downshifting facilitation tooth 250and the upshifting facilitation tooth 256A or 256B are disposed. Theshifting facilitation projection 244 is disposed in the shiftingfacilitation area 257 to engage with the outer link plate BC2 of thebicycle chain BC during each of the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation. Accordingly, it is possible to effectivelyfacilitate the upshifting operation and the downshifting operation usingthe shifting facilitation projection 244.

(11) The at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or250C has a radial length shorter than a radial length of at least one ofthe plurality of chain-driving teeth other than the at least onedownshifting facilitation tooth. Accordingly, it is possible to moreeffectively facilitate the downshifting operation. Furthermore, it ispossible to easily derail the bicycle chain BC during the downshiftingoperation.

(12) The first chain engaging width W21 is larger than the inner linkspace BC11 defined between the opposed pair of inner link plates BC1 ofthe bicycle chain BC and is smaller than the outer link space BC21defined between the opposed pair of outer link plates BC2 of the bicyclechain BC. The second chain engaging width W22 is smaller than the innerlink space BC11. Accordingly, it is possible to improve chain-holdingperformance to hold the bicycle chain BC.

(13) The shifting facilitation projection 244 has the axial length L21defined from the axial side surface 230A of the at least one secondtooth 230 in the axial direction D2 parallel to the rotational centeraxis A1. The axial length L21 of the shifting facilitation projection244 is equal to or greater than 1.0 mm. Accordingly, it is possible tocertainly bring the shifting facilitation projection 244 into engagementwith the bicycle chain BC during the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation.

(14) The at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or250C includes the downshifting derailing tooth 250C to first derail thebicycle chain BC from the bicycle sprocket 212 during the downshiftingoperation. The at least one second tooth 230 includes the downshiftingderailing tooth 250C. Accordingly, it is possible to smoothly derail thebicycle chain BC from the bicycle sprocket 212. This effectivelyfacilitates the downshifting operation.

(15) The bicycle sprocket assembly 210 comprises the bicycle sprocket212 and the smaller sprocket 214 adjacent to the bicycle sprocket 212without another sprocket between the smaller sprocket 214 and thebicycle sprocket 212. Accordingly, it is possible to set achain-downshifting distance defined between the bicycle sprocket 212 andthe smaller sprocket 214 as appropriate so that the bicycle chain BCsmoothly shifts from the bicycle sprocket 212 to the smaller sprocket214 during the downshifting operation and/or smoothly shifts from thesmaller sprocket 214 to the bicycle sprocket 212 during the upshiftingoperation.

(16) The shifting facilitation projection 244 is disposed at theposition such that the downshifting receiving tooth 266 is spaced apartfrom the downshifting derailing tooth 250C by the uneven number of chainpitch of the bicycle chain BC on the chain line CL of the bicycle chainBC during the downshifting operation. Accordingly, it is possible tosmoothly shift the bicycle chain BC from the bicycle sprocket 212 to thesmaller sprocket 214. Furthermore, the above arrangement of the shiftingfacilitation projection 244 can bring the opposed pair of outer linkplates BC2 of the bicycle chain BC into engagement with a specific tooth(the first additional tooth 238 in this embodiment) during thedownshifting operation. Especially, it is possible to bring the opposedpair of outer link plates BC2 of the bicycle chain BC into engagementwith the first additional tooth 238 having the third chain engagingwidth W23 and to bring the opposed pair of inner link plates BC1 of thebicycle chain BC into engagement with the second additional tooth 240having the fourth chain engaging width W24.

(17) Since the uneven number of chain pitch CP is equal to or smallerthan nine, it is possible to quickly complete the downshiftingoperation.

(18) Since the uneven number of chain pitch CP is equal to or smallerthan seven, it is possible to more quickly complete the downshiftingoperation.

(19) Since the uneven number of chain pitch is equal to or smaller thanfive, it is possible to more quickly complete the downshiftingoperation.

(20) The second chain engaging width W22 is smaller than the inner linkspace BC11. The fourth chain engaging width W24 is smaller than theinner link space BC11.

Accordingly, it is possible to improve chain-holding performance of eachof the bicycle sprocket 212 and the smaller sprocket 214. This improveschain-holding performance of the bicycle sprocket assembly 210.

(21) Since the at least one second tooth 230 includes the downshiftingderailing tooth 250C, it is possible to more smoothly derail the bicyclechain BC from the bicycle sprocket 212. This effectively facilitates thedownshifting operation.

(22) The at least one first tooth 228 includes the upshifting receivingtooth 256C to first receive the bicycle chain BC during the upshiftingoperation. The at least one first additional tooth 238 includes thedownshifting receiving tooth 266. Accordingly, it is possible tosmoothly receive the bicycle chain BC during the upshifting operationand the downshifting operation. This effectively facilitates theupshifting operation and the downshifting operation.

(23) The total number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 226 is 36,and the total number of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth236 is 26. Accordingly, it is possible to provide one of combinationswhich are suitable for the certain and quick downshifting operationfacilitated by the downshifting facilitation projection. The abovecombination is more effective in a case where the shifting facilitationprojection 244 facilitates both of the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation.

(24) The total number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 226 is 38,and the total number of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth236 is 28. Accordingly, it is possible to provide one of combinationswhich are suitable for the certain and quick downshifting operationfacilitated by the downshifting facilitation projection. The abovecombination is more effective in a case where the shifting facilitationprojection 244 facilitates both of the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation.

(25) The total number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 226 is 40,and the total number of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth236 is 30. Accordingly, it is possible to provide one of combinationswhich are suitable for the certain and quick downshifting operationfacilitated by the downshifting facilitation projection. The abovecombination is more effective in a case where the shifting facilitationprojection 244 facilitates both of the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation.

(26) The total number of the plurality of chain-driving teeth 226 is 48,and the total number of the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth236 is 36. Accordingly, it is possible to provide one of combinationswhich are suitable for the certain and quick downshifting operationfacilitated by the downshifting facilitation projection. The abovecombination is more effective in a case where the shifting facilitationprojection 244 facilitates both of the upshifting operation and thedownshifting operation.

(27) The bicycle sprocket 212 comprises the shifting facilitationprojection 244 disposed in the shifting facilitation area 257.Accordingly, it is possible to smooth at least one of the upshiftingoperation and the downshifting operation using the shifting facilitationprojection 244. This facilitates at least one of the upshiftingoperation and the downshifting operation.

(28) The at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B, and/or250C is adjacent to the at least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A,256B, and/or 256C on the downstream side of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or 256C. Accordingly, it is possibleto effectively facilitate at least one of the upshifting operation andthe downshifting operation using the shifting facilitation projection244, the at least one upshifting facilitation tooth 256A, 256B, and/or256C, and the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth 250A, 250B,and/or 250C.

In the first and second embodiments, the driving facilitation chamfer30C is disposed only at the rotational upstream edge 30E. However, thedriving facilitation chamfer 30C can be disposed at both the rotationalupstream edge 30E and the rotational downstream edge 30F. In such anembodiment, as seen in FIG. 36, the second tooth 30 (230) includes thedriving facilitation chamfers 30C1 and 30C2. The driving facilitationchamfer 30C1 is disposed at the rotational upstream edge 30E. Thedriving facilitation chamfer 30C2 is disposed at the rotationaldownstream edge 30F. The driving facilitation chamfer 30C1 has a firstchamfer length LC1. The driving facilitation chamfer 30C2 has a secondchamfer length LC2. The first chamfer length LC1 is longer than thesecond chamfer length LC2. The driving facilitation chamfer 30C1 has afirst chamfer angle AC1 defined with respect to a tooth center line TL1of the second tooth 30 (230). The tooth center line TL1 extends from therotational center axis A1 and is disposed at a circumferential centerbetween the rotational upstream edge 30E and the rotational downstreamedge 30F. The driving facilitation chamfer 30C2 has a second chamferangle AC2 defined with respect to a tooth center line TL1 of the secondtooth 30 (230). Each of the first and second chamfer angles AC1 and AC2is smaller than 180 degrees. The first chamfer angle AC1 is larger thanthe second chamfer angle AC2.

Third Embodiment

A bicycle sprocket assembly 310 comprising a bicycle sprocket 312 inaccordance with a third embodiment will be described below referring toFIGS. 37 to 40. The bicycle sprocket assembly 310 has substantially thesame structures as those of the bicycle sprocket assembly 10 except forthe downshifting facilitation projection 44. Thus, elements havingsubstantially the same function as those in the first embodiment will benumbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustratedagain in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 37 and 38, the bicycle sprocket 312 comprises thesprocket body 22 and a chain engagement structure 324. The chainengagement structure 324 includes the plurality of chain-driving teeth26, the at least one downshifting facilitation area 42, and at least onedownshifting facilitation projection 344. The at least one downshiftingfacilitation projection 344 is disposed in the at least one downshiftingfacilitation area 42 to engage with the bicycle chain BC when thebicycle chain BC shifts from the bicycle sprocket 312 toward the smallersprocket 14. In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 37, the chainengagement structure 324 includes a plurality of downshiftingfacilitation projections 344 similarly to the downshifting facilitationprojections 44 of the first embodiment. However, a total number of thedownshifting facilitation projections 344 is not limited to thisembodiment.

As seen in FIGS. 39 and 40, the downshifting facilitation projection 344has substantially the same structure as that of the downshiftingfacilitation projection 44 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment,the downshifting facilitation projection 344 has a shape different fromthe shape of the downshifting facilitation projection 44 of the firstembodiment. Specifically, the at least one downshifting facilitationprojection 344 includes a projection end 344A and an inclined outersurface 344B. The projection end 344A is spaced apart from the sprocketbody 22 in the axial direction D2. The inclined outer surface 344B isprovided between the projection end 344A and the sprocket body 22 in theaxial direction D2 parallel to the rotational center axis A1. Theinclined outer surface 344B is contactable with the outer link plate BC2of the bicycle chain BC in the downshifting operation in which thebicycle chain BC shifts from the bicycle sprocket 312 to the smallersprocket 14. The at least one downshifting facilitation projection 344includes a center axis A2 and extends along the center axis A2. Thecenter axis A2 is parallel to the axial direction D2 and the rotationalcenter axis A1.

As seen in FIG. 39, a radial distance RD is defined from the rotationalcenter axis A1 and the inclined outer surface 344B in a radially outerarea AR3 defined radially outwardly of the center axis A2 of the atleast one downshifting facilitation projection 344 with respect to therotational center axis A1. The inclined outer surface 344B is inclinedrelative to the rotational center axis A1 to decrease the radialdistance from the projection end 344A to the sprocket body 22. Aninclined angle IG defined between the inclined outer surface 344B andthe rotational center axis A1 is equal to or smaller than 45 degrees.However, the inclined angle IG is not limited to this embodiment. Asseen in FIG. 38, a reference plane RP is defined to extend radiallyoutwardly from the rotational center axis A1 through the center axis A2of the downshifting facilitation projection 344. The radial distance RDis defined on the reference plane RP. The inclined angle IG is definedon the reference plane RP.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 39, the downshifting facilitationprojection 344 includes a contact part 344C, a securing part 344D, andan intermediate part 344E. The contact part 344C is provided on thefirst axial side S1 to contact the outer link plate BC2. The contactpart 344C is provided at one end of the intermediate part 344E. Thecontact part 344C includes the projection end 344A and the inclinedouter surface 344B. The projection end 344A has the largest outerdiameter in the contact part 344C. The securing part 344D is provided onthe second axial side S2. The securing part 344D is provided at theother end of the intermediate part 344E. The intermediate part 344Eextends through a hole H of the sprocket body 22. The contact part 344Chas a maximum outer diameter larger than a maximum outer diameter of theintermediate part 344E. The securing part 344D has a maximum outerdiameter larger than the maximum outer diameter of the intermediate part344E. The contact part 344C, the securing part 344D, and theintermediate part 344E constitutes a rivet.

As seen in FIG. 40, the inclined outer surface 344B includes a curvedsurface. The at least one downshifting facilitation projection 344 atleast partly has a truncated cone shape at least partly defined by theinclined outer surface 344B. In this embodiment, the downshiftingfacilitation projection 344 partly has a truncated cone shape partlydefined by the inclined outer surface 344B. The contact part 344C has atruncated cone shape. The projection end 344A has a circular shape. Thecenter axis A2 extends through a center of the circular shape of theprojection end 344A. The inclined outer surface 344B has a truncatedcone shape defined about the center axis A2. Namely, a cross-section ofthe contact part 344C taken along a plane perpendicular to the centeraxis A2 has a circular shape. However, the shape of the downshiftingfacilitation projection 344 is not limited to this embodiment. Forexample, the cross-section of the contact part 344C can be oval orpolygonal.

With the bicycle sprocket 312, it is possible to obtain the same effectsas those of the bicycle sprocket 12 of the first embodiment.

Furthermore, with the bicycle sprocket assembly according to theseventy-sixth aspect, the inclined outer surface of the at least onedownshifting facilitation projection moves the bicycle chain toward thesprocket body in the axial direction when the bicycle chain is engagedwith the at least one downshifting facilitation projection. Accordingly,it is possible to certainly adjust the chain-downshifting distance.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have”, “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member”, “section”, “portion”, “part”, “element”, “body” and“structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement”, and the term “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.”

The term “pair of”, as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

The term “downshifting facilitation area”, as used herein, means apredetermined area formed in a chain engagement structure of a bicyclesprocket. The downshifting facilitation area is intentionally designedto shift a bicycle chain from the bicycle sprocket toward a smallersprocket adjacent to the bicycle sprocket without another sprocketbetween the smaller sprocket and the bicycle sprocket. The downshiftingfacilitation area may comprise a downshifting facilitation projectionand/or a downshifting facilitation tooth on which a downshiftingfacilitation chamfer is framed. The term “upshifting facilitation area”,as used herein, means a predetermined area formed in a chain engagementstructure of a bicycle sprocket. The upshifting facilitation area isintentionally designed to shift a bicycle chain from a smaller sprocketadjacent to the bicycle sprocket without another sprocket between thesmaller sprocket and the bicycle sprocket toward the bicycle sprocket.The upshifting facilitation area may comprise an upshifting facilitationprojection and/or an upshifting facilitation tooth on which anupshifting facilitation chamfer is formed.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle sprocket having a rotational centeraxis, the bicycle sprocket comprising: a sprocket body; and a chainengagement structure arranged on a radially outer periphery of thesprocket body, the chain engagement structure including a plurality ofchain-driving teeth to engage with a bicycle chain to transmit arotational driving force to the bicycle chain, at least one downshiftingfacilitation area to facilitate a downshifting operation from thebicycle sprocket to a smaller sprocket, at least one downshiftingfacilitation projection disposed in the at least one downshiftingfacilitation area to engage with the bicycle chain when the bicyclechain shifts from the bicycle sprocket toward the smaller sprocket, andat least one upshifting facilitation projection to engage with thebicycle chain when the bicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprockettoward the bicycle sprocket, the at least one upshifting facilitationprojection being at least partly outside the at least one downshiftingfacilitation area, wherein the at least one upshifting facilitationprojection is free of a downshifting facilitation structure to engagewith the bicycle chain when the bicycle chain shifts from the bicyclesprocket toward the smaller sprocket, and/or the at least onedownshifting facilitation projection is free of an upshiftingfacilitation structure to engage with the bicycle chain when the bicyclechain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicycle sprocket. 2.The bicycle sprocket according to claim 1, wherein the plurality ofchain-driving teeth includes at least one first tooth having a firstchain engaging width, and at least one second tooth having a secondchain engaging width, the first chain engaging width is larger than aninner link space defined between an opposed pair of inner link plates ofthe bicycle chain and is smaller than an outer link space definedbetween an opposed pair of outer link plates of the bicycle chain, andthe second chain engaging width is smaller than the inner link space. 3.The bicycle sprocket according to claim 1, wherein the chain engagementstructure includes at least one upshifting facilitation area tofacilitate an upshifting operation from the smaller sprocket to thebicycle sprocket, and the at least one upshifting facilitationprojection is disposed in the at least one upshifting facilitation areato engage with the bicycle chain when the bicycle chain shifts from thesmaller sprocket toward the bicycle sprocket.
 4. The bicycle sprocketaccording to claim 3, wherein the at least one downshifting facilitationarea at least partly overlaps with the at least one upshiftingfacilitation area in a circumferential direction defined about therotational center axis.
 5. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 3,wherein a first area is defined from one of the at least onedownshifting facilitation projection to one of the at least oneupshifting facilitation projection in a first circumferential directiondefined about the rotational center axis, the first area having a firstmaximum circumferential angle defined about the rotational center axis,a second area is defined from the one of the at least one downshiftingfacilitation projection to the one of the at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection in a second circumferential direction oppositeto the first circumferential direction, the second area having a secondmaximum circumferential angle defined about the rotational center axis,the first maximum circumferential angle being smaller than the secondmaximum circumferential angle, and the plurality of chain-driving teethincludes three teeth disposed in the first area.
 6. The bicycle sprocketaccording to claim 1, wherein the plurality of chain-driving teethincludes at least one downshifting facilitation tooth provided in the atleast one downshifting facilitation area.
 7. The bicycle sprocketaccording to claim 6, wherein the sprocket body defines a first axialside and a second axial side opposite to the first axial side in anaxial direction parallel to the rotational center axis, the at least onedownshifting facilitation projection is provided on the first axialside, and at least one of the at least one downshifting facilitationtooth includes a first downshifting facilitation chamfer provided on oneof the first axial side and the second axial side to facilitate thedownshifting operation from the bicycle sprocket to the smallersprocket.
 8. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 7, wherein at leastone of the at least one downshifting facilitation tooth includes asecond downshifting facilitation chamfer provided on the other of thefirst axial side and the second axial side to facilitate thedownshifting operation from the bicycle sprocket to the smallersprocket.
 9. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 1, wherein the atleast one downshifting facilitation area is provided at or close to adead center of the bicycle sprocket.
 10. The bicycle sprocket accordingto claim 1, wherein the at least one downshifting facilitation area isprovided on an upstream side relative to the dead center in a rotationaldriving direction of the bicycle sprocket.
 11. A bicycle sprocketassembly comprising: the bicycle sprocket according to claim 1; and thesmaller sprocket adjacent to the bicycle sprocket without anothersprocket between the smaller sprocket and the bicycle sprocket.
 12. Thebicycle sprocket assembly according to claim 11, wherein the smallersprocket includes a downshifting receiving tooth to first receive thebicycle chain during the downshifting operation, the plurality ofchain-driving teeth includes a downshifting derailing tooth to firstderail the bicycle chain from the bicycle sprocket during thedownshifting operation, and the downshifting facilitation projection isdisposed at a position such that the downshifting receiving tooth isspaced apart from the downshifting derailing tooth by an uneven numberof chain pitch of the bicycle chain on a chain line of the bicycle chainduring the downshifting operation.
 13. The bicycle sprocket assemblyaccording to claim 12, wherein the uneven number of chain pitch is equalto or smaller than nine.
 14. The bicycle sprocket assembly according toclaim 12, wherein the uneven number of chain pitch is equal to orsmaller than seven.
 15. The bicycle sprocket assembly according to claim12, wherein the uneven number of chain pitch is equal to or smaller thanfive.
 16. The bicycle sprocket assembly according to claim 12, whereinthe plurality of chain-driving teeth includes at least one first toothhaving a first chain engaging width, and at least one second toothhaving a second chain engaging width, the first chain engaging width islarger than an inner link space defined between an opposed pair of innerlink plates of the bicycle chain and is smaller than an outer link spacedefined between an opposed pair of outer link plates of the bicyclechain, the second chain engaging width is smaller than the inner linkspace, the smaller sprocket includes an additional sprocket body, and anadditional chain engagement structure arranged on a radially outerperiphery of the additional sprocket body, the additional chainengagement structure includes a plurality of additional chain-drivingteeth to engage with the bicycle chain to transmit the rotationaldriving force to the bicycle chain, the plurality of additionalchain-driving teeth includes at least one first additional tooth havinga third chain engaging width, and at least one second additional toothhaving a fourth chain engaging width, the third chain engaging width islarger than the inner link space defined between the opposed pair ofinner link plates of the bicycle chain and is smaller than the outerlink space defined between the opposed pair of outer link plates of thebicycle chain, and the fourth chain engaging width is smaller than theinner link space.
 17. The bicycle sprocket assembly according to claim16, wherein the at least one second tooth includes the downshiftingderailing tooth.
 18. The bicycle sprocket assembly according to claim16, wherein the at least one first tooth includes an upshiftingreceiving tooth to first receive the bicycle chain during the upshiftingoperation, and the at least one first additional tooth includes thedownshifting receiving tooth.
 19. The bicycle sprocket assemblyaccording to claim 11, wherein the smaller sprocket includes anadditional sprocket body, and an additional chain engagement structurearranged on a radially outer periphery of the additional sprocket body,the additional chain engagement structure includes a plurality ofadditional chain-driving teeth to engage with the bicycle chain totransmit the rotational driving force to the bicycle chain, and a totalnumber of the plurality of chain-driving teeth is 36, and a total numberof the plurality of additional chain-driving teeth is
 24. 20. Thebicycle sprocket assembly according to claim 11, wherein the smallersprocket includes an additional sprocket body, and an additional chainengagement structure arranged on a radially outer periphery of theadditional sprocket body, the additional chain engagement structureincludes a plurality of additional chain-driving teeth to engage withthe bicycle chain to transmit the rotational driving force to thebicycle chain, and a total number of the plurality of chain-drivingteeth is 40, and a total number of the plurality of additionalchain-driving teeth is
 28. 21. The bicycle sprocket assembly accordingto claim 11, wherein the smaller sprocket includes an additionalsprocket body, and an additional chain engagement structure arranged ona radially outer periphery of the additional sprocket body, theadditional chain engagement structure includes a plurality of additionalchain-driving teeth to engage with the bicycle chain to transmit therotational driving force to the bicycle chain, and a total number of theplurality of chain-driving teeth is 52, and a total number of theplurality of additional chain-driving teeth is
 32. 22. The bicyclesprocket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one downshiftingfacilitation projection includes a projection end and an inclined outersurface provided between the projection end and the sprocket body in anaxial direction parallel to the rotational center axis, the at least onedownshifting facilitation projection includes a center axis and extendsalong the center axis, a radial distance is defined from the rotationalcenter axis and the inclined outer surface in a radially outer areadefined radially outwardly of the center axis of the at least onedownshifting facilitation projection with respect to the rotationalcenter axis, and the inclined outer surface is inclined relative to therotational center axis to decrease the radial distance from theprojection end toward the sprocket body.
 23. The bicycle sprocketaccording to claim 22, wherein the inclined outer surface includes acurved surface.
 24. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 22, whereinthe at least one downshifting facilitation projection at least partlyhas a truncated cone shape at least partly defined by the inclined outersurface.
 25. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 22, wherein aninclined angle defined between the inclined outer surface and therotational center axis is equal to or smaller than 45 degrees.
 26. Abicycle sprocket comprising: a sprocket body; and a chain engagementstructure arranged on a radially outer periphery of the sprocket body,the chain engagement structure including a plurality of chain-drivingteeth to engage with a bicycle chain to transmit a rotational drivingforce to the bicycle chain, at least one downshifting facilitation areato facilitate a downshifting operation from the bicycle sprocket to asmaller sprocket, at least one upshifting facilitation area tofacilitate an upshifting operation from the smaller sprocket to thebicycle sprocket, at least one downshifting facilitation projectiondisposed in the at least one downshifting facilitation area to engagewith the bicycle chain when the bicycle chain shifts from the bicyclesprocket toward the smaller sprocket, and at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection to engage with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket, the at least one upshifting facilitation projection being atleast partly outside the at least one downshifting facilitation area,the at least one upshifting facilitation projection being disposed inthe at least one upshifting facilitation area to engage with the bicyclechain when the bicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward thebicycle sprocket, the at least one downshifting facilitation projectionhaving a first axial length defined in an axial direction parallel tothe rotational center axis, the at least one upshifting facilitationprojection having a second axial length defined in the axial direction,and the first axial length being different from the second axial length.27. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 26, wherein the first axiallength is smaller than the second axial length.
 28. The bicycle sprocketaccording to claim 26, wherein the first axial length is equal to orsmaller than 1.9 mm, and the second axial length is equal to or largerthan 2.0 mm.
 29. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 26, wherein thesecond axial length is equal to or larger than 2.0 mm.
 30. The bicyclesprocket according to claim 26, wherein the second axial length is equalto or larger than 2.5 mm.
 31. The bicycle sprocket according to claim26, wherein the second axial length is equal to or larger than 3.0 mm.32. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 26, wherein the second axiallength is equal to or larger than 3.5 mm.
 33. The bicycle sprocketaccording to claim 26, wherein the second axial length is equal to orsmaller than 4.0 mm.
 34. A bicycle sprocket having a rotational centeraxis, the bicycle sprocket comprising: a sprocket body defining a firstaxial side and a second axial side opposite to the first axial side inan axial direction parallel to the rotational center axis; and a chainengagement structure arranged on a radially outer periphery of thesprocket body, the chain engagement structure including a plurality ofchain-driving teeth to engage with a bicycle chain to transmit arotational driving force to the bicycle chain, the plurality ofchain-driving teeth including at least one first tooth having a firstchain engaging width and at least one second tooth having a second chainengaging width, the at least one first tooth including a first axial endand a first opposite axial end opposite to the first axial end in theaxial direction, the first chain engaging width being defined betweenthe first axial end and the first opposite axial end in the axialdirection, the at least one second tooth including a second axial endand a second opposite axial end opposite to the second axial end in theaxial direction, the second chain engaging width being defined betweenthe second axial end and the second opposite axial end in the axialdirection, the first chain engaging width being larger than an innerlink space defined between an opposed pair of inner link plates of thebicycle chain and being smaller than an outer link space defined betweenan opposed pair of outer link plates of the bicycle chain, the secondchain engaging width being smaller than the inner link space, at leastone upshifting facilitation area to facilitate an upshifting operationfrom a smaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket, and at least oneupshifting facilitation projection disposed in the at least oneupshifting facilitation area to engage with the bicycle chain when thebicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicyclesprocket, the at least one upshifting facilitation projection beingprovided on the first axial side and having an axial length defined fromthe second axial end of the at least one second tooth in the axialdirection, the axial length of the at least one upshifting facilitationprojection being larger than an axial distance defined between the firstaxial end of the at least one first tooth and the second axial end ofthe at least one second tooth in the axial direction on the first axialside, the axial distance being larger than zero.
 35. The bicyclesprocket according to claim 34, wherein the axial length of the at leastone upshifting facilitation projection is equal to or larger than 2.0mm.
 36. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 34, wherein the axiallength of the at least one upshifting facilitation projection is equalto or larger than 2.5 mm.
 37. The bicycle sprocket according to claim34, wherein the axial length of the at least one upshifting facilitationprojection is equal to or larger than 3.0 mm.
 38. The bicycle sprocketaccording to claim 34, wherein the axial length of the at least oneupshifting facilitation projection is equal to or larger than 3.5 mm.39. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 34, wherein the axial lengthof the at least one upshifting facilitation projection is equal to orsmaller than 4.0 mm.
 40. A bicycle sprocket having a rotational centeraxis, the bicycle sprocket comprising: a sprocket body; and a chainengagement structure arranged on a radially outer periphery of thesprocket body, the chain engagement structure including a plurality ofchain-driving teeth to engage with a bicycle chain to transmit arotational driving force to the bicycle chain, at least one downshiftingfacilitation area to facilitate a downshifting operation from thebicycle sprocket to a smaller sprocket, at least one downshiftingfacilitation projection disposed in the at least one downshiftingfacilitation area to engage with the bicycle chain when the bicyclechain shifts from the bicycle sprocket toward the smaller sprocket, theat least one downshifting facilitation projection having a first axiallength defined in an axial direction parallel to the rotational centeraxis, at least one upshifting facilitation area to facilitate anupshifting operation from the smaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket,and at least one upshifting facilitation projection disposed in the atleast one upshifting facilitation area to engage with the bicycle chainwhen the bicycle chain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward thebicycle sprocket, the at least one upshifting facilitation projectionhaving a second axial length defined in the axial direction, the firstaxial length being different from the second axial length.
 41. Thebicycle sprocket according to claim 40, wherein the first axial lengthis smaller than the second axial length.
 42. The bicycle sprocketaccording to claim 40, wherein the first axial length is equal to orsmaller than 1.9 mm, and the second axial length is equal to or largerthan 2.0 mm.
 43. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 40, wherein thesecond axial length is equal to or larger than 2.0 mm.
 44. The bicyclesprocket according to claim 40, wherein the second axial length is equalto or larger than 2.5 mm.
 45. The bicycle sprocket according to claim40, wherein the second axial length is equal to or larger than 3.0 mm.46. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 40, wherein the second axiallength is equal to or larger than 3.5 mm.
 47. The bicycle sprocketaccording to claim 40, wherein the second axial length is equal to orsmaller than 4.0 mm.
 48. A bicycle sprocket having a rotational centeraxis, the bicycle sprocket comprising: a sprocket body; and a chainengagement structure arranged on a radially outer periphery of thesprocket body, the chain engagement structure including a plurality ofchain-driving teeth to engage with a bicycle chain to transmit arotational driving force to the bicycle chain, the plurality ofchain-driving teeth including at least one first tooth having a firstchain engaging width and at least one second tooth having a second chainengaging width, the first chain engaging width being larger than aninner link space defined between an opposed pair of inner link plates ofthe bicycle chain and being smaller than an outer link space definedbetween an opposed pair of outer link plates of the bicycle chain, thesecond chain engaging width being smaller than the inner link space, atleast one downshifting facilitation area to facilitate a downshiftingoperation from the bicycle sprocket to a smaller sprocket, the at leastone downshifting facilitation area defining a first circumferentialregion about the rotational center axis, the first circumferentialregion having a first center angle defined about the rotational centeraxis, at least one upshifting facilitation area to facilitate anupshifting operation from the smaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket,the at least one upshifting facilitation area defining a secondcircumferential region about the rotational center axis, the firstcircumferential region and the second circumferential region beingprovided to at least partly overlap with each other in a circumferentialdirection defined about the rotational center axis, the secondcircumferential region having a second center angle defined about therotational center axis, at least one downshifting facilitationprojection disposed in the at least one downshifting facilitation areato engage with the bicycle chain when the bicycle chain shifts from thebicycle sprocket toward the smaller sprocket, only one of the at leastone downshifting facilitation projection being disposed in one of the atleast one downshifting facilitation area, and at least one upshiftingfacilitation projection disposed in the at least one upshiftingfacilitation area to engage with the bicycle chain when the bicyclechain shifts from the smaller sprocket toward the bicycle sprocket, onlyone of the at least one upshifting facilitation projection beingdisposed in one of the at least one upshifting facilitation area, thefirst center angle of the first circumferential region of the at leastone downshifting facilitation area being different from the secondcenter angle of the second circumferential region of the at least oneupshifting facilitation area.
 49. The bicycle sprocket according toclaim 48, wherein one of the first circumferential region and the secondcircumferential region is entirely provided within the other of thefirst circumferential region and the second circumferential region. 50.The bicycle sprocket according to claim 48, wherein the firstcircumferential region is entirely provided within the secondcircumferential region.
 51. The bicycle sprocket according to claim 48,wherein the first circumferential region is provided at or close to adead center of the bicycle sprocket.
 52. The bicycle sprocket accordingto claim 31, wherein the first center angle of the first circumferentialregion of the at least one downshifting facilitation area is smallerthan the second center angle of the second circumferential region of theat least one upshifting facilitation area.